The U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City development project is a key infrastructure initiative under the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Its main goal is to upgrade U-Tapao Airport into Thailand’s third major international airport, seamlessly connecting with Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports. Through the high-speed rail link, these three airports can collectively handle up to 200 million passengers annually. Additionally, the project aims to create a business development hub, focusing on tourism, logistics, and aviation, ultimately transforming the area into the “Eastern Aviation Metropolis.” This development continues the vision of the Eastern Seaboard to become a significant port and business city, extending Bangkok’s connectivity to the east via land, water, and air, propelling Thailand to become an aviation hub and economic gateway to Asia.
Project Location
The U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City Development Project spans over 6,500 rai in Phala Subdistrict, Ban Chang District, Rayong Province, within the Eastern Aviation City promotion zone.
Current Status of U-Tapao Airport
Currently, U-Tapao Airport features one runway, 3,500 meters long and 60 meters wide, capable of accommodating 52 aircraft parking spots. If fully utilized, the runway can handle up to 20 million passengers per year. Terminal 1 supports approximately 700,000 domestic and international passengers annually, and once operational, Terminal 2 will increase capacity to about 3 million passengers per year, currently handling around 1.5 million passengers annually.
Given its strategic location near Bangkok and the eastern region, which is popular among global investors, the target is to accommodate at least 60 million passengers per year.
Investment and Development
The project involves extensive investments in various sectors, including commercial airport services and continued industrial development in business and aviation. This will create an attractive investment environment for both domestic and international private sectors, expanding investment in the EEC and enhancing human resource potential for sustainable economic development.
Future Projections
By 2025-2026, with the expected opening of the third passenger terminal managed through private investment, U-Tapao Airport will handle approximately 8 million passengers annually. Forecasts indicate that Don Mueang Airport will exceed its capacity during the same period, underscoring the importance of the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City development project in meeting future air travel demand.
Economic Impact
This development project is crucial for driving the national economy and supporting the aviation industry, addressing future air travel demands, and promoting sustainable economic growth.
The total investment for the project is USD 6.23 billion.
Author: Mr. KC Cuijpers
For more information: Please contact Town & Country Property – [email protected]
