After a dramatic pause that felt like a cliffhanger in a soap opera, the construction of a new passenger terminal at Trang Airport is finally resuming. Imagine contractors dropping their tools and walking away from a project when it was tantalizingly close to completion! Well, that’s precisely what happened about six months ago, leaving the would-be travelers of Trang in suspense. But now, under new directives and a fresh wave of enthusiasm, operations are set to get back on track, aiming for the terminal to open its doors by the end of next year.
Back to action in the dusty construction landscape, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri has taken a firm stand. Like a general sending troops back to the front, she ordered the Department of Airports to expedite the recovery and completion of the task. This decisive move came after a civic group from the southern province, with the spirit of community champions, urged the government to rescue the 1.6-billion-baht project from the lurch it had been left in.
The terminal, as grand as any dream, is just one part of a broader vision to uplift Trang Airport’s status. Besides the terminal, the project includes dreams of a lengthened runway and enhanced facilities. Once operational, this terminal will juggle approximately 1,200 passengers an hour—fasten your seat belts for 3.4 million passengers annually! Imagine the buzz of travelers navigating through two sparkling new aircraft concourses and an ultra-modern car park designed to house a whopping 1,000 cars.
Ms. Manaporn is determined to see the new terminal gleam with promise by the close of 2025, playing a pivotal role in giving Trang’s tourism sector the much-needed zeal. She has even urged authorities to collaborate with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to finesse the airport’s systems for aircraft, cargo, and passenger handling. So, who knows? International flights might soon whisk travelers from Trang across the globe, facilitated by immigration, customs, and health checkpoints that tackle everything down to animal quarantine.
Moreover, the airport’s runway is not being left behind in this grand overhaul. Currently standing at 2,100 meters, plans are in flight to stretch it to 2,990 meters. Soon, under upgraded electrical systems, the runway will skillfully manage 14 mid-sized aircraft, like Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s—imagine the hustle and bustle! The runway upgrade is making strides, with completion forecasted by January 2026.
Ms. Manaporn believes that these enhancements will not only broaden the horizon for larger aircraft but also dish out a smorgasbord of options and delectable prices for the flying public. It’s a game-changer waiting to happen!
As for the saga of the abandoned construction, Danai Raungsorn, head honcho at the DoA, shed light on the drama. Financial hiccups on the contractor’s end were the culprits in this six-month hiatus. A stern notice was dispatched on April 22, listing the rules of engagement for contract termination and the penalties for any breach. Despite the promises of the contractor to rejoin the fray by Oct 5, the current scene is as quiet as ever, prompting the DoA to wield the termination clause like a sledgehammer.
In an epic twist worthy of a blockbuster, the board’s assembling new knights of construction to carry the banner and finish the project by the targeted deadline, says Mr. Danai. So, Trang Airport’s new terminal, an epic tale in the making, is one step closer to its grand reveal. Keep your boarding passes ready!
I’m excited about the new terminal, but isn’t it concerning that it was halted due to contractor issues?
Contractor reliability is definitely a problem in many projects. I hope the new team can deliver on time.
Yeah, I’m hoping for smooth operations too. It would be a big boost for Trang.
Given the past hiccups, they should have contingency plans in place for future issues.
All big projects have these hurdles. It’s not as uncommon as you think.
Is it really worth all that money? Couldn’t this budget be put to better use elsewhere?
Investing in infrastructure usually has long-term benefits, especially for tourism.
Exactly, infrastructure investments often yield a significant return over time.
But during an economic downturn, wouldn’t local community initiatives be more beneficial?
Tourism in Trang will skyrocket with these improvements, can’t wait for easier access!
I hope so, but many places overestimate the tourism benefits of new infrastructure.
The natural beauty of Trang should attract plenty of visitors once travel becomes easier.
Why aren’t there more tech-oriented improvements planned for the new terminal?
They should definitely consider modern solutions like automated check-ins or AI for security.
I hope the expansion won’t disrupt the local environment or the communities nearby.
Environmental impact is always a concern. I wonder if there was a thorough assessment done.
Agreed, maintaining a balance between development and nature is crucial.
Does anyone else find the timeline ambitious considering the past delays?
With the right management, it can be done. Tight deadlines push for better efficiency.
I’m skeptical. Past projects in our country often suffer from budget overruns and delays.
I’m surprised they are planning for international flights. Is Trang ready for such a shift?
If the infrastructure is upgraded properly, Trang could support international flights easily.
I just hope the authorities are considering all the necessary regulatory adjustments.
The idea of a 2,990-meter runway is thrilling. Think of the flight options!
It will definitely open up more routes for airlines. Can’t wait!
Has anyone looked into how these expansions will impact the carbon footprint?
Exactly my thoughts. Airports need sustainable practices now more than ever.
Hopefully, they integrate green technology into the new terminal.
This project reflects a bold step in improving regional connectivity.
And yet, sometimes these ‘bold steps’ benefit the few at the top more than the locals.
Maybe they should focus on better flight schedules instead of just expanding facilities.
Smart terminals with IoT capabilities are the future. Hope this terminal isn’t antiquated by its opening.
I love seeing progress in Trang. This will make visiting family much more convenient.
I wonder what architectural style the new terminal will feature. Modern or traditional?
My hope are for a smooth operational construction management with keeping eye on completion tasks to keep the project on schedule and knot fall prey to delays or worst yet another abandoned project once. again.