The revision sets this new handling capacity as its goal, said acting AoT president Paweena Jariyathitipong.
The study of the 2025 master plan is over 70% complete and will be finalised by October before it is submitted to the AoT board, the Transport Ministry, and the Cabinet, reports the Bangkok Post.
The updated plan focuses on development to the south of the airport, including a new South Terminal capable of handling 55 million passengers annually and a fourth runway.
Together with existing terminals, the total capacity will reach 120mn passengers, aligned with recommendations from global experts. Previous projections of 150mn were deemed excessive.
“The South Terminal alone will accommodate 55mn passengers annually, already comparable to major airports such as Chongqing in China. The design must answer to operational feasibility and convenience, otherwise airlines will be reluctant to use it,” Ms Paweena noted.
The AoT also plans the East Expansion project, valued at B12 billion, which has been submitted to the Transport Ministry and the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) for approval.
Following Cabinet endorsement, the project is expected to go to tender early next year with a four-year construction timeline for completion in 2030. The expansion will boost capacity from 65mn to 70-80mn passengers annually.
Currently, Suvarnabhumi Airport handles 60mn passengers a year. By the time the East Expansion is completed, the AoT forecasts passenger numbers will hit about 67mn annually ‒ lower than previous projections of 75mn, reflecting a slower-than-expected recovery in Chinese tourism.
The AoT is also seeking cabinet approval for a B3.9bn inbound baggage handling system linking the main terminal with SAT-1. At present, the connection only exists for outbound baggage, while inbound bags must be trucked between buildings, causing inconvenience and operational disruption.
Meanwhile, the B36.8bn Phase 3 expansion of Don Mueang Airport, the country’s second largest gateway, is under design review.
The project aims to raise capacity from 30mn to 40mn passengers annually, with peak capacity up to 50mn.
Adjustments under consideration include relocating airline offices into the terminal, and reintroducing a Junction Terminal to be built alongside Phase 3 to integrate with the Red Line railway.
The review is expected to take three months before submission to the AoT board, and possibly the Cabinet, as the changes deviate from earlier approvals.