Hua Hin Airport Expansion Eyes Four Major Airlines
Hua Hin Airport expansion plans target four new international routes from Taipei, Shanghai, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur after renovations complete by year-end 2025. Thai tourism and transport ministers consulted with local business operator
Prachuap Khiri Khan is advancing a major tourism economy initiative as two ministers visited the area to consult with business operators on July 3, 2025, at Holiday Inn in Hua Hin District. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Panjchareonvorkul and Deputy Transport Minister Pattrapong Pattrasitthikul led consultations with hotel business operators in Hua Hin and Cha-am districts to develop a strategic plan for upgrading Hua Hin Airport to accommodate new flight routes.
Air Asia CEO Pairachpol Pornpattananangkur organized the consultation, dividing business operators into four groups to identify which airlines should launch direct service to Hua Hin after the airport renovation completes by year-end 2025. The proposals focused on four key markets: Group 1 (Taipei, Taiwan) targeting Chinese and Taiwanese tourists with purchasing power; Group 2 (Shanghai, China) focusing on large family tourism; Group 3 (Singapore) leveraging existing customer base familiarity with Hua Hin; and Group 4 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) attracting regional tourists and serving as a regional hub.
Minister Surasak stated the ministry will immediately compile the brainstorming results into a strategic tourism plan ready for implementation when the airport opens fully. Deputy Minister Pattrapong pledged government support to rapidly implement airline proposals and policy initiatives, emphasizing that Hua Hin serves as a critical gateway for transportation and commerce linking Thailand's southern region.
