Bangkok Airways has announced plans to upgrade Trat Airport, positioning it as a regional aviation hub for eastern Thailand and supporting provincial economic and tourism growth. The airport, located in tambon Tha Som of Khao Saming district and covering 1,600 rai, is owned and operated by Bangkok Airways. Chief Executive Officer Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth highlighted the airport’s potential, noting that Trat is a key destination for international tourists, particularly from Europe, who are significant customers for the airline. The airport handled 40,427 passengers in the first half of 2025, and tourism growth is expected to continue, reflecting broader trends in European travel to the region.
The upgrade aims to enhance the airport’s competitiveness and readiness to handle increased domestic and international routes, including services by other airlines. The first phase is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2026. Plans include extending the runway from 1.8 kilometres to 2 kilometres and constructing new aircraft parking bays to accommodate up to three small to medium jet aircraft or a combination of turboprop and medium-sized jets simultaneously. The passenger terminal will be expanded from 2,100 square meters to 3,400 square meters, increasing capacity to 250,000 passengers per year. The total estimated cost of the upgrade is 400 million baht, approximately USD 11.5 million.
If tourist arrivals continue to rise, Bangkok Airways may resume flights to Koh Samui and Krabi, previously suspended, and explore new international services to Cambodia, including Siem Reap, Koh Kong, and Sihanoukville, pending resolution of regional border issues. The airline also intends to welcome other carriers, including low-cost operators. Trat Airport’s location, 35 kilometres from downtown Trat and 17 kilometres from the Koh Chang ferry pier, positions it as a strategic gateway to popular tourist destinations. Bangkok Airways currently operates two daily round-trip flights between Bangkok and Trat, with plans to increase to three flights daily during the high season to meet demand.
(Source: Bangkok Post)
