The Air Traffic Control Authority is accelerating strategic planning to manage air traffic, supporting Suvarnabhumi's "4 runways" to enhance its capability as a regional aviation hub.
Mr. Surachai Nuprom, Deputy CEO and Acting CEO of the Air Traffic Control Authority of Thailand (ATC), revealed that the Air Traffic Control Authority has studied air traffic management approaches to increase the country’s flight capacity. The focus is on adopting new technologies to improve air traffic service efficiency and to prepare for future aviation industry growth. They have conducted comparative studies with Incheon Airport in South Korea and Chongqing Airport in China, which have similar physical layouts, locations, and air traffic management approaches to Suvarnabhumi Airport. This aims to elevate air transportation development, strengthen the country's competitiveness, and support the goal of becoming a regional aviation hub.
Mr. Surachai added that currently Suvarnabhumi Airport operates three runways, accommodating up to 94 flights per hour, with an average of 1,000 flights daily and a continuously rising trend. The Ministry of Transport plans to expand to four runways to support future growth in flight and passenger volumes, which will increase capacity to 134 flights per hour.
At present, the Air Traffic Control Authority is studying and preparing air traffic management strategies to accommodate the opening of Suvarnabhumi’s fourth runway. This includes considerations of location, terrain, flight volume, air and ground traffic density, aircraft taxi routes, and communication methods between pilots and air traffic control towers. The goal is to apply technologies suited to Thailand’s environment. This is a significant step to enhance air traffic management capabilities, ensuring safety and confidence for passengers and airlines, while providing economic and social benefits to the country.
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