Airports of Thailand: Enhancing infrastructure while promoting sustainability
Here at ITB Berlin 2025, Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), which runs six significant airports serving the nation’s main gateways, is showcasing its ongoing advancements and strong emphasis on eco-friendly operations. ITB Berlin News spoke with Dr Kerati Kijmanawat, President of AOT, about the airports’ latest innovations and priorities.
AOT operates major airports Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport, Phuket International Airport, and Hat Yai International Airport, which in 2024 collectively welcomed nearly 110 million passengers and handled over 667,000 flights. According to Dr Kerati Kijmanawat, “To better manage the growing traffic at these airports, AOT is continuously upgrading its infrastructure and implementing advanced technologies to enhance the passenger experience.”
Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand’s largest and busiest, is in the design phase of its East Expansion project, which will add 81,000 square metres of passenger-handling capacity. The Master Plan currently under review also outlines future expansions. Upon completion, Suvarnabhumi Airport will be equipped to serve up to 150 million passengers annually and accommodate up to 120 flights per hour, reinforcing its position as a leading aviation hub in the region.
Beyond infrastructure growth, Dr Kerati Kijmanawat underlined that AOT is “dedicated to adopting best practices and establishing itself as a leading international airport operator with a strong focus on sustainability.” AOT has set an ambitious goal to achieve net zero emissions by implementing various green initiatives. These include expanding solar power generation across airport facilities and exploring the use of hydrogen energy. Additionally, AOT is assessing the feasibility of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to meet domestic demand, with the long-term goal of exporting surplus fuel to neighboring countries. These initiatives align with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s objective of achieving net-zero emissions in the industry.
