Lampang Airport in northern Thailand is undergoing a significant upgrade to accommodate the growing number of passengers and flights. A new terminal, valued at 1.8 billion baht, will expand the airport’s capacity, while a runway extension project will allow larger aircraft to land. The projects are part of a broader development plan aiming for completion by 2025.
The new terminal will occupy 20,000 square meters, compared to the current 5,300 square meters. This expansion will increase passenger capacity from 300 to 600 per hour, with plans to further boost it to 1,200 per hour within 20 years. The terminal’s design draws inspiration from Lampang’s local heritage, incorporating charcoal patterns and ceramic sculptures to enhance the cultural experience for travelers.
In addition to the terminal, the airport’s runway will be extended from 1,975 meters to 2,500 meters, with an investment of 1.1 billion baht. This extension will enable the airport to handle medium-sized aircraft, such as the A321 or B737-900, which carry up to 220 passengers. The expansion also meets the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, ensuring safety and facilitating both domestic and international flights.
The airport’s ongoing development aims to position Lampang as a key gateway for passengers traveling to and from the province. The expansion follows the earlier widening of the runway from 30 meters to 45 meters, completed in October 2024, which allowed Thai AirAsia to introduce a 180-seat A320 aircraft. This has significantly boosted the airport’s capacity, with monthly passengers increasing from 9,000 to 18,000 since Thai AirAsia’s entry.
According to Danai Ruangson, head of the airport department, both the new terminal and the runway extension are expected to be operational by 2025. These improvements will enhance the airport’s ability to support more airlines and offer passengers greater flight options. With a steady recovery in air travel, Lampang Airport is expected to serve over 2 million passengers annually, with current traffic showing strong recovery, reaching 80% of pre-COVID levels.
The development plans have undergone public consultations, with the second meeting scheduled for early 2025 to gather feedback and refine the designs.
