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Suvarnabhumi Airport boosts efficiency with additional staff and a third runway, enhancing passenger capacity and embracing sustainability with electric taxis, marking significant strides towards becoming Thailand’s first green airport.
In a decisive move to boost operational efficiency and embrace environmental sustainability, Suvarnabhumi Airport, under the directive of Airports of Thailand (AOT) and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, is set to enhance its passenger and flight handling capacity through significant staffing and infrastructure developments.
Starting tomorrow, as reported by Matichon newspaper on February 18, the airport will see an infusion of 200 additional officials at immigration counters, addressing a critical 30 percent staffing shortage. AOT President Mr. Keerati Kijmanawat conveyed to Prime Minister Srettha the necessity of this increase to expedite the immigration process, projecting an improved capacity from 5,500 to 7,000 people per hour.
Further bolstering its commitment to streamlining passenger flow, AOT is also recruiting 200 more workers tasked with queue management and promoting automated systems usage. Expected to commence duties by early April, these efforts coincide with the installation of an additional 80 auto channels by the end of July, aiming to accommodate 8,800 outbound passengers per hour.
In an ambitious move to solidify Thailand’s position as a major aviation hub, Suvarnabhumi Airport is also undergoing a major expansion project, including the construction of a third runway. Slated for completion in July 2023, this addition will extend the airport’s flight handling capability from 67 to 94 flights per hour and increase passenger capacity by 30%, enabling the airport to serve up to 100 million passengers annually.
Complementing these expansions, Suvarnabhumi is taking significant strides towards sustainability by introducing electric taxis, marking a pivotal step towards establishing Thailand’s first green airport. With 18 charging stations already in place, this initiative reflects AOT’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and fostering a low-carbon society. AOT’s president Kerati Kijmanawat emphasized the environmental impact, noting the potential to cut over 50 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually by transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs).
As part of its green vision, AOT is also installing additional chargers for shuttle buses and agency vehicles, with plans to establish seven charging stations to accommodate the rising trend of electric vehicles. This forward-thinking approach not only aligns with global clean energy trends but also enhances the passenger experience, setting a benchmark for airports worldwide.
With these comprehensive measures, Suvarnabhumi Airport is not just preparing for the future of travel but is also leading by example in operational efficiency and environmental stewardship, promising a smoother, faster, and greener journey for all its visitors.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
