On May 28th, at the Asawin Grand Convention Hotel in Bangkok, Mr. Kirati Kitmanawat, Chief Executive Officer of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), unveiled insights into the ongoing Don Mueang Airport Development Project (TDM) Phase 3 during the second public hearing. The meeting served as a platform to present project progress and gather feedback from stakeholders before finalizing detailed designs. Scheduled for completion in October 2024, with tender openings in March 2025, the project aims to enhance traveler experience and bolster capacity at Don Mueang Airport.
The development, with an estimated budget of 36 billion baht, focuses on transforming the airport into a modern and efficient hub. Key features include the construction of a new third terminal spanning approximately 140,000 square meters, set to be operational by 2025. This terminal will replace the old domestic building and integrate seamlessly with the existing international terminal, effectively increasing passenger capacity. Additionally, plans entail the construction of a parking facility capable of accommodating an additional 4,000 cars.
Terminal 1, the current international building, will undergo renovation to optimize space utilization, while Terminal 2 will be expanded to cater to the growing domestic passenger demand. These upgrades are projected to elevate the airport’s total passenger capacity to over 400,000 square meters, positioning it as a pivotal aviation hub to facilitate domestic travel.
Moreover, the development encompasses the construction of a warehouse building at Warehouse 4 to accommodate private jets, thereby expanding the airport’s capabilities to support private aircraft travel. This initiative aligns with government policies aimed at bolstering regional aviation hubs and attracting flights from neighboring countries.
Notably, the bidding process for the construction of private aircraft buildings will adopt a public-private partnership (PPP) model, offering concessions for approximately 15-20 years. Expected to generate substantial revenue for AOT, these endeavors are anticipated to contribute approximately 3 billion baht annually.
Addressing inquiries about the automated passenger transport system (APM), Mr. Kirati clarified that it is not part of the TDM development plan. Instead, an automatic walkway will be implemented to facilitate seamless connectivity between the domestic and international terminals.
In conclusion, the comprehensive enhancements outlined in the TDM Phase 3 project signify a significant step towards modernizing and expanding Don Mueang Airport’s infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of travelers and stakeholders alike.
