Surat Thani Airport is set for a significant expansion with a new passenger terminal, aiming to double its capacity by 2031. The Department of Airports (DOA) has announced plans for a 4-billion-baht investment in new facilities, including a terminal, parking structures, and other infrastructure improvements, to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. The design phase is expected to conclude by the end of this year, with construction beginning in 2028 and operations commencing in 2031.
The expansion project will increase the airport’s capacity from 4 million passengers per year to at least 8 million. The final design is expected to be completed by 2025, followed by updates to the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in 2026.
The new terminal’s architectural concept will incorporate local cultural elements. The design will reflect the province’s coastal identity with wave-like curves, symbolizing Surat Thani’s connection to the sea. The project also integrates sustainable features, including green spaces inspired by the islands of the Gulf of Thailand.
Interior design elements will highlight the region’s traditions, with decorative patterns based on Phumriang silk and color themes inspired by Chaiya salted eggs. Renewable energy sources will also be incorporated to enhance sustainability.
In parallel with the terminal project, the airport is reinforcing its runway and constructing a parallel taxiway at a cost of 799 million baht. This upgrade will allow the airport to handle larger Code E aircraft and increase flight capacity from 15 to 22 flights per hour. The project, currently over 90% complete, is expected to be operational by 2025.
In 2024, Surat Thani Airport recorded 1.34 million passengers and 8,500 flights, served by four airlines: Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet. Passenger numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels when the airport handled 2 million passengers and 14,000 flights in 2019.
