Phang Nga - Andaman International Airport

Phang Nga - Andaman International Airport is the tentative name given to a new airport development in Northern Phuket. The new airport is expected to ease passenger traffic at the existing airport in Phuket, and serve as a hub for Phang Nga - a major tourist destination. Bangkok Airways reportedly is in talks with Phang Nga Province regarding a potential land lease deal, with an environmental impact assessment underway.

May-2024. Airports of Thailand (AoT) CEO Kirati Kitmanawat stated the feasibility study for Phang Nga - Andaman International Airport is expected to be complete in 2024. Mr Kitmanawat said construction of the airport is due to commence by 2027. The feasibility studies will cover investment potential, economic gains, financial returns and environmental impacts. 

Jan-2024. Airports of Thailand (AoT) plans to speed up construction of Phang Nga - Andaman International Airport. The new airport is in the second stage of development and aims to resolve capacity constraints at Phuket International Airport. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said the two airports are expected to handle around 18 million passengers per year, compared to an annual average of 12.5 million currently handled by Phuket International Airport. Once operational, Andaman Airport will be a hub for long haul international services, while Phuket International Airport will only accommodate domestic and short haul services. The two airports are 23.4 kilometres apart, with around 20 minutes of travel between them.

Sep-2023.

22-Sep-2023. Airports of Thailand (AOT) allocated a THB140 billion (USD3.87 billion) budget towards construction of Phang Nga - Andaman International Airport and the expansion of Chiang Mai International Airport. Phang Nga - Andaman International Airport will be located on 6000 rai of land in Takuwatung District owned by Thailand's Ministry of Finance. Construction is expected to take seven years, three for research and development and four for construction. The airport is expected to be operational by 2031.

09-Sep-2023. Bangkok Airways president Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth expressed interest in investing in Phang Nga - Andaman International Airport, if Thailand's Government chooses to shift to a public-private partnership. Mr Prasarttong-Osoth said the potential project could serve as an opportunity to open a new destination for southern Thailand. 

Jul-2023. Andaman Province's Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committee (JPPSCC) requested Airports of Thailand (AoT) continue with its feasibility study of Phang Nga - Andaman International Airport. Thailand's Cabinet suspended a plan to build the airport in 2022. The airport requires investment of around THB100 billion (USD2.94 billion) and could be completed in 2027. AoT received a THB11 million (USD323,234) budget in Nov-2020 towards a feasibility study for the airport.

Sep-2022. Thailand's Cabinet approved a proposal to transfer management of Krabi Airport, Buriram Airport and Udon Thani Airport from the Department of Airports to Airports of Thailand (AoT). The THB9.2 billion (USD250 million) project will develop the airports into regional hubs to maximise capacity and help promote tourism. Deputy government spokeswoman stated Phang Nga - Andaman International Airport, expected to open in 2031, will also be included in the same development cluster. 

Aug-2019. Airports of Thailand plans to develop a new international airport in Phang Nga to address capacity constraints at Krabi Airport and Phuket International Airport. The airport is expected to be completed by 2025 and is also being developed to boost tourism in the 'Andaman Triangle' of Krabi, Phangnga and Phuket.

May-2018. Airports of Thailand's board approved plans to develop new airports in Phuket and Chiang Mai, requiring approximately THB120 billion (USD3.7 billion) and to be operational by 2025. The planned Phuket airport will be constructed in Phang Nga Ban Khok Kruad district. It is approximately 25km from the existing Phuket International Airport.

Jul-2017. Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon stated the Phang Nga - Andaman International Airport development project will suspend all works until further public consultation with all affected provinces.

Dec-2016. Bangkok Airways is in talks with Phang Nga Province to lease land for a new airport serving Phang Nga and Phuket. Thailand's Royal Forest Department is considering the airport proposal and the project would also require approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.