Samui airport extends operating hours as Koh Samui prepares for a major increase in international tourists. With the high season approaching, the island’s tourism operators are pushing for more flights to meet the growing demand. Samui airport extends operating hours to accommodate an additional 20 daily flights, which could result in a 10 to 20% increase in tourist arrivals. This development is crucial for the local economy as it looks to capitalize on the tourism surge.
Tourism Sector Recovery in Koh Samui
The President of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, is optimistic about the island’s tourism outlook this high season. The return of all flights to Samui airport is a significant driver of this recovery. With Samui airport extending its operating hours, the island is better equipped to handle the anticipated influx of visitors. This is expected to be particularly beneficial for Koh Samui’s tourism sector, allowing for higher occupancy rates and more economic activity.
Currently, Samui airport operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and manages around 50 flights each day. By extending these hours, Samui airport could handle up to 73 flights daily. This increase would bring an additional 2,000 tourists each day, especially from key markets such as Germany, the UK, France, and Australia. The introduction of Thailand’s extended visa policy, which allows visitors to stay up to 60 days, further supports the growing number of tourists.
Tourism Sector Recovery in Koh Samui
Samui airport extending operating hours is just one part of the solution. While the island has around 30,000 available hotel rooms, the transportation infrastructure also needs improvement. This includes both air and sea transportation to ensure smooth travel for the rising number of tourists. By extending its hours, Samui airport can more effectively manage the tourism surge, and ferry operators are also preparing for the increase in demand. Three ferry companies, each with a fleet of around 10 boats, are expanding their capacity to transport more visitors between the mainland and Koh Samui.
The proposal for Samui airport to extend operating hours has garnered support from various stakeholders. A public hearing in late July will discuss the plan, seeking input from local residents and businesses. If approved, the additional operating hours at Samui airport will help ease the flow of tourists, reducing delays and enhancing the travel experience.
Positive Impact on Tourism Growth
With Samui airport extending operating hours, the island’s tourism sector is poised for significant growth. Ratchaporn Poolsawadee estimates a 10 to 20% increase in visitors compared to the 3.4 million tourists who visited Koh Samui last year. This expansion will benefit the local economy, raising hotel occupancy rates to 80-90% during the peak season in July and August. The potential for increased tourist arrivals aligns with Koh Samui’s vision to fully recover and thrive as a top destination in the Gulf of Thailand.
As Samui airport extends operating hours, the island is positioning itself to welcome a larger volume of visitors with improved travel infrastructure. This will support the island’s long-term tourism growth and ensure that the industry continues to flourish in the coming years.
