ASEAN revolutionizes airports, the most challenging movement When flight demand cannot be supported

The aviation industry in Southeast Asia has entered a period of significant change as old airports, or airports that were the main airports of each country in the past, have become active again.

All ASEAN countries since Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines Cambodia Efforts are being made to rehabilitate and enhance the capacity of these airports in order to disperse congestion from the main airports in the main airports. Amidst the rapid increase in travel demand,

today "Bank Finance" Will take you to explore the development of these airports in ASEAN. Because it takes a deeper look at how each country handles and cope. Faced with the challenge of balancing the use of major airports and investing in refurbishing aging airports, So that the country can accommodate a huge number of passengers.

Malaysia

In Malaysia, the revitalization of Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB, as it is also called) is underway. “Subang Airport” is an important part of the country's aviation strategy. This old airport was built in 2508, almost 6 decades ago. It served as Malaysia's main airport until 2541. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), which is newer and larger. It has replaced and become the main national airport. However, dynamism has returned to Subang Airport once again. And the Malaysian government is restoring it to become a business aviation hub. which focuses on regional flights

This shift is evident from the latest move by Indonesia's TransNusa airline. It opened flights to Subang Airport on August 1 and is the first international flight to land at the airport in 26 years. Other airlines including AirAsia (Air Asia) has also started operating flights to Subang Airport. It focuses primarily on passengers walking for business. The government is focused on the growth of Subang Airport. While there are concerns that passengers at KLIA's main airport may drop, this will alleviate the capacity crunch that KLIA is facing.

The Malaysian government plans a 3.7 billion ringgit ($834.9 million) major infrastructure development package at Subang Airport, including the development of a new private jet terminal, shopping centre, warehouse and convention centre. and medical center With a target of reaching 8 million passengers per year to ensure that Subang Airport is competitive. and has become an important airport in Malaysia's growing aviation market landscape.

Thailand

Thailand's approach to airport infrastructure management is to rehabilitate Don Mueang Airport. To support the problem of overflowing passengers at Suvarnabhumi Airport It opened in 2549 and became Thailand's new main airport. As a result, Don Mueang Airport is quiet and serves only domestic flights. However, Don Mueang Airport has returned to the spotlight once again. Especially as a hub for low-cost flights. In addition Don Mueang Airport also has the capacity to help alleviate congestion problems at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The number of passengers reached 108% of the airport's capacity.

The expansion of Don Mueang Airport is now underway in Phase 3 with an investment of 3.683 billion baht (US$1 billion). It is not just about increasing capacity through the development of a new international passenger terminal. only one but also to improve airport services and connectivity. as well as the construction of a new private jet terminal, parking lot and connection to the rail line. It is expected that the new version of Don Mueang Airport will be able to accommodate up to 50 million passengers per year by 2571.

Since 2562, passenger traffic at Don Mueang Airport has continued to increase. and will have more than 40 million passengers in 2566, accounting for 53.1% of all flights landing at the two major airports. Such growth makes Don Mueang Airport an important component of Thailand's aviation infrastructure. And all of this investment aims to improve the overall passenger experience and maintain Don Mueang Airport's competitive advantage in the ASEAN region.

Indonesia

in indonesia Parallel airport system in Jakarta Reflecting the challenge of dealing with the country's rapid growth in air travel, Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport (HLP), formerly an air force base, has been converted into a stadium. The main commercial airline of the country It has become the number two airport. After the launch Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Soekarno-Hatta International Airport) or CGK in 2528, which became the main gateway for going abroad. However, Soaring demand Both domestic flights and international flights As a result, the government reopened HLP Airport in 2557 to accommodate domestic flights. Focusing on private flight services

The Indonesian government has invested 6 billion rupiah (US$38.2 million) in the HLP airport upgrade project to improve taxiways and runways, drainage systems and VIP areas to return HLP as a viable option. Suitable and attractive for domestic flights. and help alleviate capacity problems at CGK Airport.

Although the parallel airport strategy is expensive, This is because similar facilities and services are required at both airports. But the plan remains an important part of Indonesia's aviation policy, with HLP's role being to offer more convenient options for passengers willing to pay more, while CGK continues to act as a hub for most flights. This approach helps Indonesia manage its growing aviation industry more effectively. and ensure that the two airports can smoothly serve different passenger segments in different markets.

Singapore

Singapore's Seletar Airport has played a unique role in the country's aviation ecosystem. It focuses on providing turboprop aircraft services. private plane and mainly VIP flights This strategy can ease capacity pressure on Changi Airport, which is a major airport and is focused on accommodating international flights. Especially large aircraft such as the Airbus A380, which is the largest commercial aircraft in the world. And Singapore Airlines (Singapore Airlines) has the second-highest number of this type of aircraft in its fleet after Emirates Airlines (Emirates).

Although Seletar Airport has never been a main airport for international flights, But the new development is an important tool in supporting Singapore's broader economic goals. It also has strategic importance beyond passenger numbers. By establishing an aerospace industrial park around the airport, Seletar has attracted investment from companies such as Airbus, Bombardier and Rolls-Royce. Royce (Rolls-Royce)

The Singapore government has taken a relatively cautious approach to expanding Seletar Airport. This is different from the aggressive strategies of neighboring countries in ASEAN. With an investment of just S$80 million (US$60.6 million), the development of Seletar Airport has been carefully managed and does not provide a comprehensive range of services. This is to ensure that Seletar Airport acts as a promoter and supporter of Changi Airport. Not as a representative or competitor. This reinforces Singapore's strategy to maintain Changi Airport's position as a leading regional and global aviation hub. With fame that comes with awards "Best Airport in the World" (Best Airport) up to 12 times according to Skytrax rankings and held the number 1 position for 8 consecutive years from 2556-2563.

Vietnam and Philippines

Vietnam has invested heavily in new airport infrastructure to overcome capacity constraints at existing major airport centres. By the present Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City Passenger numbers reached 136% of airport capacity. This has forced the government to build a new airport, Long Thanh International Airport, which is scheduled to open in 2569.

The Philippines is also facing the same problem. Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport reached 142% of its capacity, leading to the development of Bulacan International Airport. which is scheduled to begin operations by 2570

Investing in the two airports is of great importance to the economic growth and development of both countries. This is because both the aviation industry in Vietnam and the Philippines are growing rapidly. The success of these projects will depend on how well they can be integrated into existing airport infrastructure. And how effectively will it be able to attract airlines and international flight passengers?

Cambodia

Cambodia's aviation sector is also undergoing changes. It plans to open the new Techo Takhmao International Airport, which will replace Phnom Penh International Airport (PPIA) as the main airport. The decision to build the new airport came from the need to support the future growth of air travel and to enable Cambodia to be more connected to the global aviation network.

Meanwhile, the future of PPIA remains unclear. And there is still an ongoing debate about whether to continue opening the service or not. After the new airport is open for business This uncertainty reflects the challenges Cambodia faces. while striving to modernize aviation infrastructure. while maintaining the balance of existing demand

Closing airports or repurposing PPIA would have a significant impact on national aviation policy. What matters is the government's ability to manage this transition effectively. This will be a measure of the long-term success of the country's aviation industry.

conclusion

ASEAN's aviation sector is at a turning point. Many countries are investing in new airport infrastructure. and try to restore the old airport to life again at the same time in order to meet the increasing demand for air travel. These strategies reflect the challenges and opportunities emerging in ASEAN. But it has to face the complexity of managing dual airports. both the new airport and the old airport simultaneously

Success of airport development in ASEAN since malaysia all the way to Cambodia It will depend on how much the government and related agencies can balance various aspects. From the demand of passengers, airlines and the overall economy. Good management will guarantee that the airport infrastructure will be able to support continued growth and development in the future.

refer : asia.nikkei.com