Phuket International Airport Expands To Cope With Rising Traffic

Online, February 29, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The Airports of Thailand (AOT) expected around 8 million passengers to Phuket International Airport by the end of 2011, which will exceed the current stated capacity of 6.5 million. To cope with these numbers, AOT had to stretch the airport's capacity as far as possible. A temporary expansion at the airport will began in October 2011 to make room for 60 check-in counters before the high season which is now firmly underway. In addition, AOT will be developing the space between Terminal One and Terminal Two to keep pace with the growing traffic.

According to the latest statistics, the number of passengers at Phuket International Airport had reached more than 6.2 million in the first nine months of 2011. In September last year, the airport had received 593,573 passengers - a 23.71% increase as compared to the same period in 2010. International arrivals and departures had also increased by 29.14%. To accommodate 12.5 million passengers by 2014, Phuket International Airport has planned to start the US$164 million expansion plan in 2012.

This increase in passenger traffic is due to the rise in popularity of Phuket as a resort, and the number of people wishing to see for themselves the delights that make Phuket a luxury destination.
It is no surprise given everything Phuket has on offer that it has become so popular. From the serenity of the landscape to the vibrancy of the culture and entertainment there is something for everyone. Whether you desire great shopping, night life, beaches, dining or simply a chance to embrace Asian culture, Phuket has it all. You can visit the waterfalls, temples and shopping malls by day and experience the theatre, music and clubs by night. You will never be short of anything to see or do.

With the ongoing rise in attraction to the country and the increasing features that make Phuket a luxury destination, it is understood that further expansion will be needed to cater for the ever growing number of tourists looking to immerse themselves in Phuket's magnificent culture.

"The growth in passenger traffic has fueled the introduction of more direct flights into Phuket," commented Jarrat Beaumont, Group Sales Director of Castlewood Group, a commercial real estate developer based in Singapore. "As a result, more and more visitors will be drawn to this beautiful and enchanting tropical island."
The 8over8 luxury hotel, a project by Castlewood Group, will be situated in Phuket, near the beautiful Bang Tao Beach and Laguna Resort. It will be scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2013.