Koh Phangan Airport

Koh Phangan Airport is a new airport currently under construction on Thailand's Koh Phangan Island. The development is managed by Kan Air. Construction has been suspended, amid reports the development infringed on 32,000sqm of Than Sadet-Koh Phangan National Park land.

Jun-2017. Thailand's Surat Thani Forest Protection Unit 6 filed an official complaint against Kan Air, alleging the carrier illegally cleared areas of forest for construction of Koh Phangan Airport. The forestry authority estimates the land clearance caused THB2.9 billion (USD85 million) in damages.

Sep-2016.

06-Sep-2016. Kan Air estimated Koh Phangan Airport development costs have doubled from THB900 million (USD25 million) to THB2 billion (USD57 million). The airport will feature a 1095m runway capable of handling ATR 72-600 series turboprops and a passenger terminal designed to accommodate 600,000 passengers p/a. Construction is expected to commence in late 2016 and complete in late 2017.

06-Sep-2016. Kan Air utilised THB500 million (USD14 million) to secure 320,000sqm of land for Koh Phangan Airport development project, but will require an additional THB1.5 billion (USD43 million) to complete the project, which it plans to fund via loans from foreign investors. The airline president Somphong Sooksanguan explained foreign loans have a lower interest rate of 2% p/a, compared to the 7% rate by local banks.

Oct-2015. Surat Thani provincial authorities ordered Kan Air, developer of Koh Phangan Airport, to cease construction work as the development was found to have infringed on 32,000sqm of Than Sadet-Koh Phangan National Park land. Surat Thani Deputy Governor Ouaychai Innak said the government has organised three panels to investigate the origin of the land permits provided by Kan Air.

Sep-2013. A new airport on Koh Phangan island may be operational by Sep-2014. Kan Air President Somphong Sooksanguan said he is considering offering a 30-40% stake in the project to local or foreign partners to help meet the estimated THB900 million (USD28 million) construction cost. Mr Somphong said VietJet Air expressed interest in entering a JV to develop the airport. The proposed airport will include an 1100m runway and have capacity for 600,000 passengers p/a. Kan Air intends to operate twice daily Bangkok-Koh Phangan service  once the airport is complete.