New International Airport For Greater Phuket In The Works
A new transportation infrastructure mega-project North of Phuket tentatively named the “Phang Nga – Andaman International Airport” is currently under by the government.
In what is being envisaged as a public and private sector partnership or else a private investment, sources have confirmed that Bangkok Airways is currently in talks with Phang Nga Province for a large-scale land lease for the facility, with an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in the works.
Currently the matter is before the Royal Forest Department and would require approval of the Department of Civil Aviation.
The location of the proposed airport is Moo 4, Baan Tha Dindaeng,Lam Kaeng Sub district, Thai Muang District on a site of approximately 2,000 rai.
Tentative plans for the runway are 3,000 meters, which would be more than that of Koh Samui’s airport.
Last year total passenger arrivals at Phuket International Airport exceeded 6.4 million, while nearly Krabi Airport passed the 1.8 million level.
It’s expected the new airport would relieve pressure from Phuket’s gateway airport and serve to act as a tourism hub for Phang Nga, and provide airlift as long term catalyst for sustainable growth.
Nearby Khao Lak currently has 104 registered tourism establishments with 7,822 rooms and is seeing a considerable influx of new international hotels in the pipeline.
Bangkok Airways has a strong track record under the private Koh Samui Airport in successfully operating a similar facility.
To view the location of the project on Goggle Maps 8.519153, 98.239770
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