A key factor behind the recovery has been the increase in foreign tourists travelling to Thailand, aided by the government’s economic stimulus measures such as the visa exemption policy, said Mr Monchai, according to a report by state news agency NBT.
As a result, both passenger numbers and flight volumes have surged, with Phuket Airport seeing a notable increase compared to 2023, said the report.
According to Mr Monchai, the total number of passengers in 2024 reached 16,388,955, marking a 21.17% increase from last year. The figure comprises 9.86 million international passengers and 6.52mn domestic travellers.
The number of flights also saw a 19.97% increase, totaling 98,711 flights in 2024.
However, the figures remain below pre-pandemic levels, with the airport currently operating at 85% of its 2019 capacity, which saw 18mn passengers, Mr Monchai noted.
Looking forward, Phuket Airport is set to expand its capacity to accommodate future growth. A development project, set for 2025, aims to boost the airport’s capacity to 18mn passengers, ensuring that it can meet increasing demand, Mr Monchai said.
“Phuket remains the top destination for Chinese tourists, followed by Russian visitors,” Mr Montchai said. “However, Chinese tourism is still only 60% recovered due to strong domestic travel in China."
Mr Monchai added, “Phuket Airport is committed to enhancing its services across all dimensions to achieve its vision of becoming a world-class airport, focusing on convenience, speed, and safety to meet international standards.”
The airport’s expansion plans and service upgrades aim to position it as a key hub for global tourism, supporting the island’s economic growth and ensuring sustainable development for the future, he said.