Chiang Mai Airport's 24-Hour Service to Boost Thai Tourism

Chiang Mai Airport, managed by the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), is gearing up to provide uninterrupted service to passengers and tourists, 24 hours a day, starting from November 1, 2023. This significant extension of operating hours, which previously spanned from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., comes after successful negotiations with local residents near Chiang Mai Airport. 

Mr. Kirati Kitmanawat, the Director General of AOT, disclosed that airlines have warmly embraced this change, with numerous requests for flight slots beyond midnight. AOT has responded by allocating flight schedules that do not exceed 6% of the number of daytime flights, allowing for approximately 12 nighttime flights per day. This measure is in line with environmental impact assessments (EIA) and adequately caters to travel demands, particularly for international flights. 

The inaugural flight to operate under the expanded 24-hour service will be provided by Thai Vietjet Airline on the Chiang Mai-Osaka route, departing at 12:30 a.m. on October 31. Additionally, Chiang Mai Airport has undergone enhancements to increase its capacity, now accommodating around 2,400 additional flights and passengers daily. 

Looking ahead, AOT has ambitious plans to further expand its capacity, aiming to handle up to 20 million passengers annually by the close of 2027. In another development, Mr. Kirati announced that Phuket Airport will also resume round-the-clock passenger services from December 1, 2023, following necessary runway repairs. This move aligns with the government's Quick-win policy, designed to stimulate the economy in the short term. 

Currently, AOT oversees the management of six major airports in Thailand, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai airports. Moreover, there are future plans to extend its airport management to other airports with potential, starting with the pilot transfer phase at Krabi, Udon Thani, and Buriram airports. 

Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/th/news/detail/TCATG231031162456659