Buri Ram terminal plan given a boost

The Department of Airports is speeding up its plan to build a second terminal at Buri Ram airport to accommodate growing air traffic in this northeastern province as part of an upgrade plan.

Amphawan Wannako, the department chief, said the 700-million-baht project has been incorporated into the agency’s investment spending plan for the 2020 fiscal year, which is set at 11.3 billion baht.

She said the department has agreed to use the existing terminal design to shorten the design process and make way for construction work to begin soon. When completed, the airport will be able to handle 1.7 million passengers per year, a marked increase from its current capacity of 750,000.

The second terminal project is part of the planned upgrade of Buri Ram airport to international status, she said, adding that an expansion of the tarmac has also recently been completed.

The expanded tarmac adds space for parking a maximum of six 180-seater Boeing 737-400 aircraft, up from two aircraft of the same size.

Buri Ram has been dubbed an economic boom town with rapid growth reported in recent years due largely to the success of the homegrown football team and its stadium as well as the FIA Grade 1 motor racing circuit.

The province is also the political stronghold of the Bhumjaithai Party, a government coalition partner which oversees the Transport Ministry.

Meanwhile, the department’s spending plan for the 2020 fiscal year also includes two expansion projects at Surat Thani and Krabi airports to accommodate tourist growth in these two southern provinces.

The Surat Thani airport upgrade will increase its handling capacity to 3.6 million passengers per year, up from the current 2 million, while the Krabi expansion will double its capacity from the current 4 million passengers yearly.

The department is drafting a master plan to boost its revenue which includes raising rental fees of commercial areas at its airports across the country. The new rates are expected to boost revenue by 143 million baht per year.

However, a source close to the matter said the department has ruled out raising the passenger service charge and has yet to decide if it will increase aircraft parking and landing fees, which may lead to a hike in air fares.