Thailand has begun the process of upgrading and expanding its third main international airport, the Vietnam-war era U-Tapao airport which is set to link with a budget terminal, Don Muang Airport and the country’s main Suvarnabhumi airport and take some of the pressure of the other areas by serving 60 million people.
In 2023, Thailand welcomed more than 28 million foreign tourists, a significant increase from previous years.
In the same year, the industry generated over one trillion Thai baht, around £22 billion.
The project, called the “Eastern Aviation City” is also expected to better serve the nearby cities of Pattaya and Rayong, the former of which is home to many must-see attractions including the Sanctuary of Truth, Ko Lan Beach and the Underwater World Pattaya Aquarium.
It is also said to be of incredibly good value for accommodation and food in comparison with other areas of Thailand.
According to Airport technology, the expansion will cost £7.4 million over four phases. The first two phases will involve the construction of new terminals, the first of which is expected to be completed this year and will feature 60 parking spaces and increase capacity by 15.4 million.
Phase two, which will accommodate 30 people, is expected to be ready by 2030, after which the next two phases will commence.
However, phase three is not expected to be finished until at least 2043, with phase four adding another terminal building and more parking spaces by 2055, so there is a while to wait before you can book a flight.
Lying approximately 90 miles southeast of Bangkok, near Sattahip on the Gulf of Thailand, it is set to cover 1,040 hectares and should create 15,600 jobs, according to Construction Briefing.
The project is being funded by a public-private partnership, with the design and consultancy firm, One Works, having won a deal with infrastructure business GMR Group, Thai AirAsia and other stakeholders to develop “an extensive concept masterplan to create one of the most innovative new airports and multi-modal transport hubs in Asia”.
“Our design proposal positions[s] UTP as a state-of-the-art, sustainable transport hub that will become the premier node of transport, commerce and culture on Thailand’s eastern seaboard,” One Works said.
“This highly intuitive and visionary airport will enable Thailand’s aviation industry to grow; promote public and private sector innovation; and enchant passengers and visitors with a unique customer experience reflective of traditional and contemporary Thai values… and bringing pride to the people of Thailand.
In addition to a third passenger terminal, the project will also see the construction of a group transportation centre, logistics and cargo complex, a cargo village for a free trade zone and a commercial centre.
The project, according to One Works, is also set to deliver contemporary homes, shopping, workplaces, galleries, markets, hotels, restaurants and pedestrian streets.
