CAAT Upgrades Regional Airports to Boost Secondary City Economies

MGR Online•Economy•4d ago

Reader Briefing

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is implementing a 'Small Airport, Not Small Standard' policy to enhance regional airport capabilities and support economic growth in secondary cities.

•CAAT is upgrading regional airport readiness and national flight networks to accommodate growing air travel.
•Total air passengers in Thailand from January to July 2026 reached 85.16 million people.
•The Department of Airports reported that six high-potential airports served over 14 million passengers in 2025.
•Flight volume from January to July 2026 increased by 9.02% compared to the previous year.

Overview

•Thailand recorded 85.16 million total air passengers between January and July 2026, with 39.26 million domestic and 45.91 million international passengers.
•Air Chief Marshal Manat Chawanaprayoon stated that regional aviation growth provides an opportunity to distribute travel and economic activity away from central hubs.
•CAAT is applying the 'Small Airport, Not Small Standard' concept, focusing on safety and readiness appropriate for each airport's specific mission and traffic characteristics.
•Domestic flights between January and July 2026 totaled 281,896 flights, representing a 1.77% increase.
•The Department of Airports identified six high-potential airports in 2025: Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Udon Thani, and Krabi.
•Total flights between January and July 2026 increased by 9.02%, reflecting a growth in direct flights between Thailand and Europe.
•CAAT will develop regional airports by aligning development levels with the potential, demand, and missions of each specific area.

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Key Entities

Organization

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand(สำนักงานการบินพลเรือนแห่งประเทศไทย)ℹ️

The organization upgrading regional airport readiness and implementing the 'Small Airport, Not Small Standard' concept.

CAAT

Abbreviation for The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.

Department of Airports(กรมท่าอากาศยาน)

The government department providing passenger data for airports under its responsibility.

Person

Air Chief Marshal Manat Chawanaprayoon(พลอากาศเอก มนัท ชวนะประยูร)

The Director of The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).