The Airports Department has proposed building a new airport in Nakhon Pathom province west of Bangkok to relieve congestion at the capital’s two main gateways, Bangkok Post reported.
The 20-billion-baht facility, to be located on 3,500 rai straddling Bang Len and Nakhon Chaisi districts, would take four years to build, said Jarun Meesomboon, the department’s deputy director-general.
“We project more than 1 million passengers a year initially, with potential on par with key regional airports such as Khon Kaen and Surat Thani airports,” he said.
The proposal will be forwarded to the Transport Ministry for its consideration. If approved, construction could begin in 2023 and the airport will be operational 2-3 years later.
“Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi are struggling to find slots and serve private jets. The new airport will accommodate commercial airlines, private jets, chartered flights, helicopters and survey services,” Meesomboon added.
In addition to domestic flights, the new airport can support Asean services.
Read more at Bangkok Post.