More and more Dutch people are switching to airports in Germany and Belgium due to rising ticket prices in their own country. While Schiphol and Eindhoven are losing market share, Düsseldorf and Charleroi are gaining ground. The sharp price increases, caused by higher taxes and costs, are even making holidays unattainable for some groups. Foreign airports are proving to be an attractive alternative for price-conscious travellers.
Starting in November, travellers at six major Thai airports will be able to use biometric facial recognition for a smoother check-in experience. Passengers will only need to give their consent once, speeding up future check-ins. With additional automation in baggage and ticketing, Thailand is taking a step towards more modern and efficient airport technology.
In the second quarter of 2024, 20,1 million passengers traveled through the five largest airports in the Netherlands, almost 6 percent more than in the same period a year earlier. Schiphol in particular accounted for the vast majority of travelers, while Maastricht Aachen Airport showed notable growth due to the reopening of the runway after renovation work.
From September 1, 2024, stricter rules for liquids in hand luggage will apply at Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague Airport and Eindhoven Airport. Liquids in packaging larger than 100 ml are no longer permitted. The airports are following the new guidelines of the European Commission. Travelers will be extensively informed and additional staff will be deployed to help them with the changes.
Thailand promises faster immigration checks at airports: just 45 seconds per passenger
The Immigration Bureau (IB) announces that immigration checks at airports will take no longer than 45 seconds per person. This measure supports the new visa-free scheme, which expands the number of countries that can enter Thailand without a visa from 57 to 93. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin emphasizes that this will bring significant benefits in the long term.
New bus routes connect Thai airports with popular destinations such as Pattaya and Hua Hin
Transport Co has announced that new bus routes connecting Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket airports with major cities and tourist attractions will be launched by the end of this year. These routes will improve accessibility to places such as Pattaya, Chanthaburi, Trat, Nakhon Ratchasima and Hua Hin, boosting both tourism and local economies.
Airports of Thailand is restructuring commercial activities to compensate for millions in losses
The Airports of Thailand (AOT) is embarking on commercial restructuring to deal with an expected loss of 90 million baht. From July 1, commercial and office areas at Suvarnabhumi and Phuket International airports will be regained. These measures, based on recommendations from Skytrax, are intended to improve facilities and increase passenger satisfaction, with the aim of placing Suvarnabhumi among the top 50 airports worldwide.
In 2023, 71 million people chose Dutch airports, an increase compared to last year, but still below pre-pandemic numbers. With almost 506.000 flights and a decline in air freight, the year shows a mixed recovery in the aviation sector. Aircraft occupancy rates improved slightly, while some airports saw more passengers than ever.
Thailand is investing 140 billion baht in two ambitious airport projects
Thailand's Airport Authority (AOT) has unveiled big plans for the country's aviation infrastructure. With a budget of 140 billion baht, not only will a brand new airport be put on the map in Phangnga province, but the renovation of the Chiang Mai International Airport will also receive a major boost. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's urgent policies underlie these developments.
Local companies enthusiastic about Sretta's plans to develop regional airports near smaller cities
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's recent proposal to develop airports in smaller cities such as Nakhon Ratchasima has been warmly received by local entrepreneurs. The plan, aimed at boosting tourism and the economy, promises to revitalize the airports and better integrate them into existing transport networks. Experts and entrepreneurs are optimistic and urge rapid implementation.
Overview of airports, airports and airlines in Thailand
Thailand has a large number of airports and airports for civil aviation, including some international airports. Thailand's main international airport is Suvarnabhumi Airport, located in Bangkok.
No more TM6 immigration forms at Thai airports
The Thai government will temporarily suspend the use of TM 6 forms by international passengers at the airports in order to avoid crowds at the immigration counters.
The number of tourists arriving in Thailand is expected to increase sharply as the government scrapped the Test & Go access scheme on May 1 and more airlines will soon resume flights to the country.
The Thai government expects air traffic to Thailand to increase significantly after the lifting of the Test & Go requirements. The hope is for the number of take-offs and landings at the country's airports to double by the end of this year.
Thailand's airports
Do you know all airports in Thailand? Oh, I'm sure you can name a few: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, U Tapao, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Ko Samui, but after that it gets a bit more difficult, doesn't it? Did you know that there are at least 75 places with runways in Thailand?
Nearly 71 percent fewer passengers at Dutch airports in 2020
In 2020, 23,6 million passengers traveled to and from the five national airports in the Netherlands. In 2019, there were 81,2 million.
In the third quarter of 2020, almost 5,5 million travelers traveled to and from the five national airports in the Netherlands. That is 17,6 million fewer travelers than in the third quarter of 2019, a decrease of 76,3 percent.
More and more Thai nationals stuck at foreign airports
At least 197 Thai nationals are detained at a number of foreign airports. They try to return to Thailand but are unsuccessful because the airport authority (CAAT) has banned all commercial passenger flights to Thailand until April 16.
New record year for Dutch and Belgian airports
The year 2019 was an excellent year for Dutch and Belgian airports. Most Dutch and Belgian airports set new passenger records last year.
The Department of Airports (DoA) plans to invest 5,8 billion baht next year in regional airports across the country, acting director-general Thawi Kesi-samang announced during his first day on the job.
Five Thai airports get facial recognition system for identification
The Ministry of Transport wants to install a facial recognition system at five regional airports. The system replaces manual passport control. There are now often long waiting times for air travelers.
Feasibility study for airports in Phatthalung and Satun provinces
Transport minister Saksayam wants to spend 8 billion baht for the construction of an airport in the southern provinces of Phatthalung and Satun to stimulate tourism to the South.