Is There An Airport In Nakhon Ratchasima?

Nakhon Ratchasima Airport, also known as Korat Airport, is located in the largest province of Thailand, Nakhon Ratchasima. The airport has not been operational for several years due to low demand and its proximity to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. However, there have been recent efforts to revive the airport and resume commercial flights. With a 5,500-square-meter passenger terminal and the ability to accommodate Boeing 737-sized aircraft, the airport has the potential to become a significant transportation hub for the region.

Nakhon Ratchasima Airport, also known as Korat Airport, has been non-functional since 2019

Nakhon Ratchasima Airport, also known as Korat Airport or Nong Taeng Airport, has been non-functional since 2019. The airport, which is located about 26 to 30 kilometres from the city centre, was launched more than 30 years ago but has been rarely used. It was first known as Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1976 and was home to air force units from Thailand, New Zealand, and the United States.

In 2019, the airport ceased operations when New Gen Airways, the sole airline serving Nakhon Ratchasima Airport, forfeited its entire fleet. Several carriers had previously withdrawn their services due to losses and the airport's proximity to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. Despite several attempts to resume commercial flights, low demand and difficulties in obtaining flight permits have hindered the airport's revival.

The airport boasts impressive specifications, including four aircraft bays, an aircraft parking area, a 2.1-kilometre runway, and a 5,500-square-metre passenger terminal capable of handling up to 300 passengers per hour. The airport has the potential to accommodate Boeing 737-sized aircraft.

However, in 2022, there was a glimmer of hope for the airport's revival. Nok Air, a low-cost airline, announced plans to resume domestic flights to and from Nakhon Ratchasima Airport. The airline intended to operate two return flights a week to Chiang Mai, using an 86-seat Q400 NextGen turboprop aircraft. Unfortunately, this service was short-lived, lasting just over a month due to low demand.

With the recent change in government, there is renewed interest in revitalising the airport. The new prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, has focused on initiatives related to tourism, including improving airports in major and smaller cities to accommodate the growing number of tourists visiting Thailand. Local tourism promotion associations and members of parliament from Nakhon Ratchasima are advocating for the revitalisation of the airport, recognising its potential to accelerate economic growth in the province.

The airport has faced challenges due to its proximity to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport

Nakhon Ratchasima Airport, also known as Khorat Airport, is a regional domestic airport located in Thailand's largest province, Nakhon Ratchasima. The airport was first known as Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1976, serving as a base for air force units from Thailand, New Zealand, and the United States.

However, the airport has faced significant challenges due to its proximity to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, located about 264.23 km from Nakhon Ratchasima, is an important international airport in Thailand, serving as a primary gateway for visitors from around the world. The continuous increase in passenger traffic at Suvarnabhumi Airport has impacted the operations of Nakhon Ratchasima Airport. Several carriers withdrew their services from Nakhon Ratchasima Airport due to losses and its proximity to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. As a result, the airport currently faces functionality issues, with New Gen Airways, the last remaining airline serving the airport, ceasing all operations in October 2019.

The competition from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport has led to a decline in airlines and passengers choosing Nakhon Ratchasima Airport. The Department of Civil Aviation, which operates Nakhon Ratchasima Airport, is considering converting the airport into a repair and maintenance hub. This decision reflects the challenges faced by the airport in attracting and retaining commercial airline services.

The proximity to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport has made it challenging for Nakhon Ratchasima Airport to establish itself as a viable alternative for domestic or international flights. The significant distance between the two airports, about 264.23 km, may seem like an opportunity for Nakhon Ratchasima Airport to cater to a different market. However, the reality is that travellers and airlines prefer the convenience, infrastructure, and connectivity that Suvarnabhumi Airport offers as an international hub.

As a result, Nakhon Ratchasima Airport has struggled to secure sufficient demand and profitability to sustain regular commercial flight operations. The airport's current non-functional status is a direct consequence of the challenges posed by its proximity to a larger and more established international airport in Bangkok.

Nok Air attempted to resume commercial flights in 2022 but discontinued after a month due to low demand

Nakhon Ratchasima Airport, also known as Khorat Airport, is a regional domestic airport in Thailand. The airport accommodated retail shops, snack bars, car-rental booths, and ATMs. However, it is currently non-functional after New Gen Airways, the last airline serving the airport, ceased all operations in October 2019.

In 2022, Nok Air, a low-cost airline operating mostly domestic services out of Bangkok's Don Mueang International Airport, attempted to resume commercial flights to Nakhon Ratchasima. Nok Air sought aid from the government to sustain its flights to Nakhon Ratchasima and Betong, with plans to operate the Nakhon Ratchasima-Chiang Mai route from July 2022. The airline also signed a memorandum of understanding with tourism operators to revive Betong flights for three months starting from April 29, 2022.

Despite these efforts, Nok Air discontinued its flights to Nakhon Ratchasima after just a month due to low demand. The airline faced challenges with low load factors and cancellations, which resulted in a loss of trust from customers. Nok Air's struggle to maintain operations at Nakhon Ratchasima Airport highlights the difficulties of operating in an airport so close to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The Department of Civil Aviation, which operates Nakhon Ratchasima Airport, is considering converting the airport into a repair and maintenance hub. While the airport currently sits idle, its future remains uncertain as the aviation industry in Thailand adapts to changing demands and explores new opportunities.

The airport has the potential to accommodate Boeing 737-sized aircraft and has a substantial passenger terminal

Nakhon Ratchasima Airport, also known as Korat Airport, is located in the largest province of Thailand, Nakhon Ratchasima. The airport was first known as Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1976 and was home to air force units from the US, New Zealand, and Thailand. Despite being launched over 30 years ago, the airport has been mostly unused. It was opened for commercial flights in 1997 but has since faced multiple suspensions due to low demand.

The airport has the potential to accommodate large aircraft, including Boeing 737, and features a substantial passenger terminal. The terminal spans 5,500 square meters and can handle up to 300 passengers per hour. In addition to the passenger terminal, the airport also offers various facilities and services for travellers, including retail shops, snack bars, car rental booths, and ATMs.

Despite its potential, Nakhon Ratchasima Airport has struggled with attracting airlines and passengers. In 2019, the airport ceased operations after the sole remaining airline serving it, New Gen Airways, a Thai airline servicing flights between Thailand and China, stopped all operations. Prior to this, several other carriers had withdrawn their services due to losses and the airport's proximity to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport.

In 2022, there were attempts to revive the airport by resuming commercial flights. Nok Air, a low-cost airline, began operating flights between Nakhon Ratchasima and Chiang Mai, offering two return flights a week. However, this service was short-lived as it was discontinued after just over a month due to persistently low demand.

Local officials and tourism associations are advocating for the revitalisation of the airport, believing that it could accelerate economic growth in the province. With the support of government ministers and the prime minister, there is a push to improve the airport's management and increase its capacity to handle the growing number of tourists visiting Thailand.

There are ongoing discussions to revitalise the airport and boost tourism in the province

Nakhon Ratchasima Airport, also known as Korat Airport, is located in the largest province of Thailand, Nakhon Ratchasima. The airport was launched over 30 years ago, but it has been neglected and underutilised for a significant period. Despite its potential, the airport has faced challenges due to its proximity to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport and low demand for flights. However, there are ongoing discussions and efforts to revitalise the airport and boost tourism in the province.

The airport has a strategic location, being situated about 30 kilometres from the city centre in the Nong Taeng-Chakkarat National Reserved Forest. It covers 4,600 rai of land and boasts a 5,500-square-metre passenger terminal, capable of handling up to 300 passengers per hour. The airport has four aircraft bays, an aircraft parking area, and a 2.1-kilometre runway, enabling it to accommodate Boeing 737-sized aircraft.

Despite its impressive infrastructure, the airport has struggled to attract commercial flights. Several airlines have terminated their services at Nakhon Ratchasima Airport due to low demand, with actual traffic volume only reaching 70-80 passengers per flight. However, there is renewed hope for the airport's revitalisation. In 2022, low-cost airline Nok Air announced plans to resume flights to and from the airport, recognising the potential for increased tourism in the province.

Nok Air initially offered two return flights a week to Chiang Mai starting in August 2022. While this service was discontinued after a month due to persistent low demand, it demonstrated a willingness to reactivate the airport. Provincial authorities and Nok Air executives are working to promote the service and determine actual demand, especially during the high season in Chiang Mai. Additionally, with 16 members of parliament and two ministers from Nakhon Ratchasima in the government, there is a push for discussions with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who has already demonstrated a focus on tourism initiatives, to accelerate the revitalisation of the airport and boost economic growth in the province.

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