The Thai government plans to invest $9 billion in U-Tapao Airport, near Pattaya, to turn it into an air hub that is expected to serve up to 60 million passengers a year, according to media reports. Spokesperson Tipanan Siricana said the reconstruction process will begin at the end of January.
The infrastructure of the new airport will include two runways capable of receiving any type of aircraft, and a third passenger terminal with modern technologies such as self-check-in and baggage drop. In addition, hotels, shopping centers, residential complexes and business parks, as well as office complexes and exhibition centers will be built in a single complex.
The project consists of four stages. The first stage is planned to be completed next year. It is assumed that the passenger traffic will be 16 million people and will accommodate 60 aircraft. In addition, a high-speed railway is planned to connect U-Tapao Airport with Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports in Bangkok.
Currently, U-Tapao Airport can serve up to 5 million passengers a year, performing about 15 regular flights to various cities, including from Russia. A high-speed road has been built connecting the airport directly with the resorts of Pattaya, the distance from one point to another is just over 30 kilometers.
The Thai government hopes that this project will bring great economic benefits and promote the growth of tourism infrastructure in the area.
