AOT invests 13 billion baht to boost Suvarnabhumi Airport capacity amid rising traveler demand from Pattaya and beyond. PATTAYA, Thailand – Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) celebrated its 46th anniversary by unveiling ambitious investment plans to expand six major airports across the country. The goal is to modernize infrastructure and increase passenger capacity to meet rising demand, while positioning Thailand as a leading aviation hub in the region. Acting CEO Pawina Chariyathitipong highlighted the importance of upgrading Thailand’s air transport facilities to serve as the nation’s gateway and support sustainable economic growth. “Our focus is on expanding capacity to keep pace with increasing passenger numbers, while also enhancing commercial opportunities to generate non-aeronautical revenue,” she said. At Suvarnabhumi Airport, the centerpiece of this expansion is the East Expansion project, with an investment of approximately 13 billion baht. Currently under cabinet consideration, this project is expected to be completed by 2030 and will increase passenger capacity from 65 million to 80 million annually. It includes the construction of a new South Terminal adding 400,000 square meters and a fourth runway to increase flight operations from 94 to 120 flights per hour. Don Mueang Airport is slated for major improvements as well, including a new Terminal 3 for international flights set to open in 2030, and renovations of Terminal 1 to serve domestic passengers by 2032. Regional airports such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Chiang Rai will also see expansions, with passenger capacities doubling or nearly doubling by the mid-2030s. New terminals and runways set to open by 2030 as airports prepare for 130 million annual passengers. The rapid growth of tourism and business hubs like Pattaya is a key factor driving this demand. Pawina noted that Pattaya’s increasing popularity among both domestic and international travelers is fueling more flight routes and encouraging expansion of nearby airports such as U-Tapao. “Pattaya’s success as a tourist and investment destination is a strong catalyst behind our airport development plans,” she explained. Beyond infrastructure, AOT is actively cultivating commercial ventures around the airports to boost revenue streams unrelated to flight operations. Since April 2025, 28 investor proposals have been received for projects ranging from hotels and maintenance facilities to electric vehicle charging stations and entertainment complexes. In the first eight months of fiscal year 2025, the six airports handled 88.53 million passengers—up 9.2% from the previous year—with 544,590 flights, a 10.9% increase. AOT forecasts passenger numbers will exceed 130 million by fiscal year 2026, with over 859,000 flights. These comprehensive plans reflect AOT’s commitment to not only accommodate rising passenger demand but also to support thriving economic centers like Pattaya. The city’s growing allure is integral to the ongoing expansion of Thailand’s aviation infrastructure. Commercial projects near airports offer fresh revenue streams to support Thailand’s growing aviation hub status.   Pawina Chariyalertsak, Acting CEO of AOT, leads Thailand’s bold airport expansion plans to support booming passenger growth and elevate the nation as a regional aviation hub.