Bangkok Post - Supoj Wancharoen
Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) is speeding up construction of the new Andaman International Airport, which is set to become a direct long-haul flight hub in the South. Transport Minister
Suriya Jungrungreangkit recently visited Phuket and Phangnga to observe progress on Phuket's second airport -- Andaman International Airport in Phangnga province -- and initiate improvements to transport infrastructure in the area.
The new airport, which is in its second stage of development, will serve as an extension of Phuket Airport, according to Mr Suriya.
The two airports are expected to handle as many as 18 million passengers per year, compared to the annual average of 12.5 million currently handled by Phuket Airport, he said.
Once the Andaman International Airport opens, it will be a hub for direct long-distance international flights while the original airport in Phuket will accommodate only domestic and short-haul international flights.
