New domestic terminal at Thailand’s Trang Airport opens after delays
Trang Airport has opened its new passenger terminal for domestic flights on a soft-opening basis after construction delays of more than four years.
The project, valued at 1.07 billion baht, was delayed after a contractor abandoned his work.
Department of Airports director-general Danai Ruengsorn said the terminal welcomed its first domestic passengers following the soft opening on Sept 5.
Before the opening, the department conducted a simulation involving 50 trial passengers to test service procedures.
A follow-up review enabled authorities to fine-tune systems, including those for electricity, water supply, air conditioning, security, bilingual signage, and other passenger amenities.
Staffing was also reinforced to ensure smooth operations in line with international standards.
Mr Danai said the new terminal spans over 30,000 sq m and doubles the airport’s passenger handling capacity from 600 passengers per hour, or 1.7 million passengers annually.
The new terminal also has parking for 700 vehicles.
In addition, work is underway to extend the runway from 2,100m to 2,990m and install further electrical systems at 1.775 billion baht.
Expected to be completed in 2028, the upgraded runway will accommodate wide-body aircraft, including Boeing 747s, Boeing 777s, and Airbus A330s, enabling direct long-haul flights to Europe and other regions in Asia.
Trang Airport’s director, Surirat Thipyotha, said key works are now complete, despite the previous contractor walking off the job.
Currently, there are three airlines operating at Trang Airport: Thai AirAsia, Nok Air and Thai Lion Air, with about 10 daily flights carrying 1,500–1,600 passengers.
Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3105945/new-domestic-terminal-opens-after-delays
