Surat Thani International Airport

Surat Thani Airport's predecessor is known locally as Donnok Airport (Thai: สนามบินดอนนก). It is located around 3 kilometres away from Surat Thani City, and has a single, gravel paved runway, 800 meters in length.[1] Later, the runway was expanded by the Royal Thai Air Force and became 1,000 metres long. The runway is only capable of handling small planes, such as the DC-3.[1]

Due to the original airport's close proximity to Surat Thani, The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) planned a new airport away from the city. A former airfield used in World War II by the military was chosen as the site for the new airport. After the construction site was chosen, a plan for the airfield's development was proposed. However, in 1973, the government suspended the development project and used the funds to support Phuket International Airport's operations instead.[1]

In 1975, many residents in Surat Thani called for the project's reconsideration. The Ministry of Defence and CAAT showed interest in the project and the airfield's development began in 1978. The airport was officially opened on 15 April 1981. It had a single runway, 2,500 metres in length. In 1993, the runway was expanded to support larger commercial flights and military operations.[1]

The Department of Airports announced a 1.7 billion Baht plan to upgrade the airport.[2] Details of the project are as following:

1. The airport's apron will be expanded to increase its capacity up to 11 Boeing 737s at a time.[2]
2. The electrical system and wires will be moved underground.
3. The airport terminal will be expanded to accommodate up to 3.6 million passengers a year.[3] The car park will also be expanded to handle up to 700 cars at a time.[2]
4. The runway will be upgraded to increase its strength.[2]
5. Construction of the new transportation center to handle more passengers.[2]