As the Chinese New Year approaches, Thailand is set to host over four million tourists, with celebrations continuing until February 2. Among these, over 700,000 are expected from China alone, marking a 22.6% increase from last year. To manage this influx, the Airports of Thailand (AOT) has enhanced services at its six major airports, including bolstered multilingual staff and additional personnel in critical areas like immigration, baggage, and security.
AOT expects a total of 4.03 million travelers and 24,599 flights at airports including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai, during the festive period. This represents a 10.4% rise in passengers and a 16.7% increase in flight operations over the previous year. Suvarnabhumi Airport will handle the bulk, with projections of 1.91 million passengers and 11,238 flights, while regional airports such as Chiang Mai and Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai will also experience significant growth.
To maintain smooth operations and ensure passenger safety, AOT has instituted stringent safety measures in line with standards from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Enhancements in wildlife and airport ecosystem monitoring aim to reduce risks of wildlife strikes, with comprehensive procedures for handling such incidents.
Travelers are encouraged to arrive at the airport 2 to 3 hours before their flights during this busy period to circumvent delays. AOT also offers a 24-hour contact center available at 1722 to help travelers with their needs and promote a seamless travel experience for both domestic and international visitors.