The Transport Ministry expects Bangkok's two main airports to handle around 120 million passengers annually by 2029 as it accelerates efforts to make the country a regional aviation hub.
Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn outlined the target on Tuesday after inspecting operations at the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) and Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT).
Mr Phiphat said the government is upgrading infrastructure, technology and workforce capabilities to boost competitiveness and support long-term growth in the aviation sector.
AOT forecasts Suvarnabhumi airport will handle about 73 million passengers a year by 2029, and Don Mueang airport a further 43 million. This excludes major regional gateways such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Khon Kaen and Ubon Ratchathani.
"Thailand has a geographical advantage because it sits at the centre of Asean and between two of the world's largest population centres, China and India," Mr Phiphat said. "This gives the country strong potential to become a regional aviation and air cargo hub."
To accommodate growth, AOT is pursuing several expansion projects. Suvarnabhumi airport, which currently has a capacity of 60 million passengers a year, is preparing a 12-billion-baht East Expansion project to increase terminal capacity. Construction is expected to begin by 2027, subject to cabinet approval.
Don Mueang airport's third-phase development, including a new international terminal and transport links, is also moving through the approval process.
The minister said the aviation industry remains on a growth path despite Middle East tensions.
