BANGKOK: Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri has again pointed to the need for six new airports if Thailand is to become a regional transport hub.
Her comments came on the heels of the 59th Asia and Pacific Directors General of Civil Aviation Conference, held from Oct 14-18 in the Philippines.
The conference, which was attended by representatives from 48 countries and international aviation organisations including Thailand’s Department of Airports (DoA), discussed critical areas in civil aviation on the theme “Shaping the Future of Air Transport: Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive”.
A doubling of global passenger numbers within the next 20 years was projected during the meeting, emphasising the need for significant infrastructure investment, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
Following the conference, the ministry outlined a vision for the future of air transport, anticipating passenger volume growth, infrastructure development, and travel facilitation. It also encouraged the DoA to consider sustainable and inclusive airport infrastructure investments nationwide, including capacity enhancement projects and the construction of six new airports in Mukdahan, Bueng Kan, Satun, Phayao, Kalasin, and Phatthalung.
“The importance of safety by designing secure airports and integrating advanced security equipment to improve screening processes, along with the concept of universal design for facilities cannot be emphasised enough,” Manaporn said.
The ministry also prioritised accessibility for people with disabilities, promoting equal travel access.
In terms of environmental goals, the DoA was urged to expand on its achievements after winning the 2024 Environmental Impact Assessment Monitoring Awards, aiming for carbon neutrality and achieving Level 5 Airport Carbon Accreditation. — THE NATION/ANN
