CityNews – A letter has been sent to some households along the Chiang Mai International Airport flight path requesting residents to join a meeting to discuss plans to expand the capacity of the airport.
On behalf of the Airport Of Thailand (AOT), Sermpon Dulyapintukorn, Communications Engagement Officer of ISET Thailand, a knowledge transfer and technical services company, sent a letter announcing the first public hearing and discussion for the airport’s planned expansion.
An environmental impact assessment conducted in 2015 showed that the number of passengers at the Chiang Mai International Airport was on a rising trend and authorities are therefore looking at both medium and long term plans to support future demands. Currently the airport sees around 8 million passengers per year, and the new plan is expected to support an initial expansion to 17 million, and eventual expansion to 20 million passengers per year.
According to a brochure attached to the letter sent to residents by ISET, this project is aimed at making the airport a “Gateway to Lanna Heritage”, improving services, passenger satisfaction and offering passengers a chance to experience the “long and beautiful history of Chiang Mai”.
The Chiang Mai International Airport Short and Long Term Development Plan (2016-2025) aims to support the growth of the airport through to 2030. This plan will allow up to 34 flights per hour, allow 31 planes to dock and, oddly contradicting the cover letter, expand capacity to 18 million passengers per year. It will also provide parking for 6,300 cars.
The brochure went on to say that authorities are conducting many corporate social responsibility activities with a budget allocated for activities for children’s day, youth football competitions, supporting air pollution combating initiatives, as well as setting up a call centre for citizens to give feedback. The upcoming hearing will be held to explain to residents the masterplan towards the vision of “AOT Operate the World’s Smartest Airport”.
The Chiang Mai International Airport sits in Mae Hia and Suthep Sub-districts on 1,948 rai of land.
CityNews called ISET to ask for further details and was told that all residents are invited to the meeting and that apart from some residents who were sent letters, vinyl posters were already put up around the airport inviting residents to come and give their feedback.
CityNews will be attending next week’s meeting, and we urge you all to please come out to join in and give voice to your opinions. This expansion will affect many residents of the city and it is of great importance that we all work together to find the best solution for all.
The meeting will be held on 14th March between 8.30am – 12.30pm at Pa Sak Luang, Lotus Pang Suan Kaew Hotel. If possible, please email [email protected] to book your seat at the meeting, or call 02 6781813 ext. 1072.