KHON KAEN: Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith yesterday presided over the foundation-laying ceremony for a new passenger terminal at Khon Kaen international airport.
A budget of about 2 billion baht was approved by the cabinet on Oct 10 last year for construction of the second terminal, the expansion of the existing terminal building and the extension of the car park building.
Under the plan, the terminal building will be expanded from 16,500 square metres to 44,500 sq m to accommodate more passengers -- up from 1,000 to 2,000 per hour, or about 5 million passengers per year.
The car park building will be extended from five floors to seven floors, capable of accommodating 1,160 cars.
Mr Arkhom said the project is due to be completed in three years.
The minister said the new terminal will be built in a Northeastern architectural style, fused with modern technology to better serve passengers.
Khon Kaen international airport currently serves 18 regional departures and arrivals per day. In the near future, he said, the airport will also provide service to several cities in China.
Mr Arkhom said the project will complement links to be provided by the Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai high-speed rail.
