Hua Hin Airport is a tale of two narratives: one painted in the vibrant hues of ambition, the other etched in the stark lines of reality. While grand plans for international flights fill news headlines, the current state of the airport remains grounded in a slower, more measured pace.
The beginnings
The story of Hua Hin Airport begins in 1961, when the Royal Thai Air Force constructed a small airstrip on the outskirts of the town. This initial airfield was primarily used for military purposes, but it also accommodated occasional commercial flights from Bangkok.
With the growing popularity of Hua Hin as a tourist destination in the 1970s, the airport began to see increased passenger traffic. In 1981, the Department of Airports took over the management of Hua Hin Airport and initiated a series of expansion projects. The runway was lengthened and widened to accommodate larger aircraft, and a new passenger terminal was built to meet the growing demand.
Transition and challenges
The 1990s brought about significant changes for Hua Hin Airport. The construction of a new highway connecting Hua Hin and Bangkok led to increased competition from buses and private cars. Consequently, the number of flights to and from the airport declined. Despite facing challenges, Hua Hin Airport continued to serve as a vital link between the town and other destinations.
In the early 2000s, Hua Hin Airport witnessed renewed interest with the development of low-cost airlines. Thai AirAsia began operating flights from Bangkok to Hua Hin, making air travel more affordable and accessible to a wider range of travelers. This influx of tourists contributed to the further development of the resort town, leading to a revival of the airport’s fortunes.
The great ambition
In August 2018, the Department of Airports (DoA) unveiled a 3.5 billion baht plan to transform Hua Hin Airport, aiming to meet the surge in tourism expected in the region. This ambitious five-year project, dubbed “Riviera Thailand” and aligned with the Southern Economic Corridor, aims to increase annual passenger traffic tenfold, reaching three million passengers annually by 2023.
The comprehensive upgrade involved several key improvements:
• Enlarging the existing passenger terminal and constructing a second one: this expansion would significantly enhance the airport’s capacity
• Expanding hangar space: providing greater accommodation for airlines and their aircraft
• Widening the runway: the existing runway would be widened from 35 meters to 45 meters, allowing it to accommodate larger and more advanced aircraft, such as the Airbus A320.
In the same year, ThaiAir Asia operated the first scheduled international passenger flight from Hua Hin, namely to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. While there were plans to introduce more international flights, these had not yet been implemented at that time.
Then COVID hit…
Despite a dramatic decline in passenger traffic due to the pandemic, AirAsia continued their Hua Hin-Chiang Mai route, while new potential routes like Hua Hin-Udon Thani were explored. This strategy aimed to support domestic tourism and keep the airport operational during the challenging period.
The Department of Airports also continued with the planned upgrade of Hua Hin Airport. However, delays and disruptions in construction were experienced due to labor shortages, supply chain issues, and changing regulations. This pushed back the anticipated completion date for the upgrade and the launch of international flights.
Phoenix Group: even greater ambitions
In April 2021, the Hong Kong-based Phoenix Group received the rights to operate Hua Hin Airport until 2026. In October 2021, the company laid out the ambitious “Phoenix Plan” to transform Hua Hin Airport into a thriving international travel hub.
CEO John Laroche explained that beyond targeting Singapore and Hong Kong for international arrivals, the plan includes mainland China and India, with a projected one million passengers arriving within 2024. He noted agreements with airlines like Cathay Pacific, Qantas, and Singapore Airlines, and letters of intent from JetStar, Scoot, Greater Bay Airlines, and Hong Kong Express. GoFirst and China Express had apparently also expressed commitment to operate flights once India reopens and China expands internationally.
Under the plan, Hua Hin Airport would (once again) undergo a major infrastructure upgrade, beginning in early 2022. This would not only improve the airport’s capacity but also transform it into a hub for events and community activities.
The present reality
Speaking in April 2023, Phoenix Group’s John Laroche said that a number of Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) have been agreed upon with Go First from India, Great Bay Airlines from Hong Kong, and China Express from China, which once the airport is fully operational are said to be converted into contracts. Additionally, an MOU is in place with Nok Air for flights to Singapore and Phuket. This could lead to approximately five international flights per day arriving at Hua Hin Airport by the end of the first year. Mr LaRoche said he also expects AirAsia to resume its flight between Hua Hin and Kuala Lumpur in the near future.
“My personal opinion is that we will see the first international flight land just after the election, although I won’t speculate on the significance of that date,” Laroche said, referring to the May 2023 elections.
Future or fantasy?
Despite the plans and beautiful words, as of today, Hua Hin Airport hasn’t yet resumed international flights. It currently only serves Chiang Mai, with Air Asia operate four flights per week, as well as 30,000 private jets a year, or 60 a week. And when and whether the ambitious plans will come to fruition remains to be seen.
While some upgrades have been made, including expanding the runway to cater for larger aircraft and closing the walkway from the beach to the runway, much needs to be done.
Crucial upgrades like tunnel expansions and safety zone enhancements remain unfinished. Official estimates place their completion in late 2025, adding another layer of delay to the international flight aspirations. The lack of international-standard infrastructure means that it is difficult for airlines to commit to operating from the airport at the present time.
This delay isn’t solely due to infrastructure. Airlines themselves, still reeling from the impact of COVID-19, face a shortage of aircraft and prioritize existing, more lucrative routes. Investing in new routes like Hua Hin appears less enticing in this context.
Beyond these immediate hurdles lies a strategic shift in focus. While international flights remain the ultimate goal, the current priority lies in strengthening domestic connectivity. Potential new routes like Hua Hin-Udon Thani are actively explored, aiming to bridge the gap between northeast Thailand and Laos while potentially facilitating easier access for Chinese tourists.
What’s next?
Patience becomes the key ingredient in this complex equation. While the ambition to transform Hua Hin Airport into a bustling international hub is undeniable, navigating the intricate interplay of infrastructure development, airline recovery, and strategic priorities requires a measured approach. Only time will tell if the promises will find their full expression on the tarmac of Hua Hin Airport.