Bangkok Airways Explores Investment in Phangnga Airport for Tourism Growth

Bangkok Airways is expressing strong interest in investing in the proposed airport in Phangnga, particularly if the government shifts towards a collaborative public-private partnership model. This investment is viewed as a strategic opportunity, given the potential of the new airport to become Thailand's next tourist hotspot.

The Thai government is considering this airport project to address overcrowding at Phuket airport. Bangkok Airways' President, Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, believes it could create a new gateway for airlines serving southern Thailand.

Puttipong highlights that expanding Phuket airport's runway isn't currently feasible, making a second nearby airport a viable solution for accommodating more flights. Furthermore, Phangnga is gaining recognition among foreign travelers, making it an attractive destination for tourism expansion through a new airport.

The feasibility study for the Phangnga airport, estimated at 80 billion baht, has been revisited by the Airports of Thailand following the Prime Minister's endorsement, recognizing the importance of this investment in boosting tourism. Puttipong anticipates substantial revenue generation from airport investment, citing Bangkok Airways' success with airports in Samui, Sukhothai, and Trat, each contributing around 2 billion baht annually.