Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) has unveiled an updated aviation master plan positioning Chiang Mai as the country’s second secondary gateway, with a dual-track strategy to expand capacity and develop a new airport to support long-term growth.
The Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce held its 25th Annual General Meeting for the years 2025-2026 at The Empress Hotel in Chiang Mai. The meeting included a special presentation by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) with the catchy title of “The Revised Master Plan for the Establishment of Commercial Airports in Thailand and the Role of Chiang Mai in the National Aviation System.”
CAAT officials said Chiang Mai International Airport handled 9.5 million passengers in 2025, exceeding its designed capacity of 8 million. Flight volumes reached approximately 64,000 movements, up 7% year-over-year, reflecting sustained growth in domestic and international travel demand.
To address capacity constraints, CAAT has outlined a two-phase development strategy. The first phase focuses on expanding the existing airport to handle 16.5 million passengers annually, with increased flight capacity to 31 movements per hour. The 24 billion baht project includes a new international terminal, conversion of the current terminal for domestic use, expanded aircraft parking to 16 bays and new supporting infrastructure. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and complete between 2032 and 2033.
The second phase centers on the proposed Lanna Airport, a new greenfield project spanning approximately 6.7 square kilometers between San Kamphaeng in Chiang Mai and Ban Thi in Lamphun. The airport is designed to handle up to 24 million passengers annually, featuring a 3,800-meter runway capable of accommodating Code E aircraft, parallel taxiways and a 156,385-square-meter passenger terminal.
According to CAAT’s roadmap, feasibility studies will be conducted between 2025 and 2026, followed by cabinet review, environmental impact assessments and detailed design phases through 2029. Land acquisition is planned between 2030 and 2033, with construction expected to take five years once completed.
At best construction would start in 2035 for completion by 2040. But even that feels unlikely.
In the long term, all commercial flights are expected to shift to the new airport, while the existing Chiang Mai airport will be repurposed for military and general aviation use, alongside redevelopment into a mixed-use landmark focused on meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.
CAAT added that the development aligns with Thailand’s broader ambition to become a global aviation hub and will integrate with planned high-speed rail infrastructure, supporting Chiang Mai’s role as a regional center for tourism, healthcare, education and business across the Greater Mekong Subregion.
Source https://www.prachachat.net/local-economy/news-1981839