While Southeast Asia is home to some of the best airports in the world (Singapore’s Changi Airport is consistently listed as one of the top), many of the area’s other airports have begun projects to improve their airports to make them more modern, spacious, and passenger-friendly. Several cities have recently announced major airport constructions and upgrades. This is great news for airlines, visiting travelers and local residents as well. Improving flier experience and fulfilling rapidly growing air traffic demands, here are nine airport renovations to keep on your radar.
Soekarno-Hatta International, Indonesia
Jakarta’s busiest airport, Soekarno-Hatta International, is set to become one of Southeast Asia’s busiest hubs with the new addition of Terminal 3 Ultimate. Launched in August, the new terminal is exclusively hosting domestic flights at the moment, but is expected to host all international flights by March next year. Once fully running, the Indonesian capital’s new hub is prepared to open its gates to 25 million passengers each year.
Panglao Island International Airport, Philippines
Access to the Philippine island of Bohol is currently through the Tagbilaran Airport, but visiting the province’s famed Chocolate Hills and outstanding beaches will soon become simpler with the upcoming unveiling of its new P4.6-billion international airport on Panglao Island. Aside from being 10 times bigger than the Tagbilaran hub, the airport sets a good example for other terminals with the inclusion of sustainable features such as LED lights and an air-conditioned departure area running on solar power.
Puerto Princesa International Airport, Philippines
Not to be outdone, the Puerto Princesa International Airport in Palawan is moving towards the final stretch of its renovations. As a gateway to the Philippines’s longest navigable underground river and — apart from the Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Busuanga — world-class destinations such as Coron and El Nido, the completed airport renovations will be able to make way for two million passengers per year, a significant improvement from its current 350,000 annual passenger capacity.
Phuket International Airport, Thailand
Following the inauguration of a new terminal and new facilities on September, “Bangkok Post” reports that the Phuket International Airport is now moving its focus on the final renovation leg of its old terminal. The terminals will collectively accommodate eight million travelers (five million of which are international fliers), which means more sun-worshippers will be able to enjoy the tropical beaches of Phuket very soon.
Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Thailand
Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is also occupied with airport expansions. Apart from adding new facilities, the Suvarnabhumi International Airport is increasing its capacity to 60 million passengers annually by 2019. That’s a 15 million increase from its current capacity. While the project won’t be finalized for another three years, we’re very excited to see what new developments this very popular hub has in store.
Phnom Penh International Airport, Cambodia
With its spectacular sights and rich culture, Cambodia is fast becoming the ultimate Southeast Asian destination. And with its growing popularity also comes the country’s plans on expanding and improving its airports to accommodate the ever-growing number of yearly visitors. Apart from this year’s Siem Reap multi-million dollar expansion, the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh has also introduced a new-and-improved airport with an updated capacity of five million passengers per year.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Vietnam
Cambodia’s neighbor, Vietnam, also has very exciting airport news. The country is getting ready for its new Long Thanh International Airport. Construction, however, will not commence until 2019, so until then, authorities are presently focusing on the development of country’s largest international airport, Tan Son Nhat, in Ho Chi Minh City. New upgrades such as a new wing and new boarding gates have already been launched, but further widening and additions are also in place to deal with the city’s swelling popularity among travelers.
Changi International Airport, Singapore
Changi Airport is not one to rest on its laurels. While it currently holds the title “World’s Best Airport,” this Singaporean transportation hub is constantly improving. In fact, its Terminal 4 is anticipated to be ready by 2017, while 2020 will see the opening of its Terminal 5. These improvements will allow the airport to accommodate over 135 million annual passengers. The year 2018 will also see the launch of Jewel Changi Airport, a new complex housing a hotel, a five-story garden and shopping.
Miri Airport, Malaysia
Amazing things seem to be in store for Malaysia‘s Miri Airport in the next year. Apart from the recent launch of its expanded apron and new walkway, the airport is also hoping to be upgraded to international status after the completion of its expansion plans, which will include updates to increase capacity and additional parking lots. With numerous national parks and eco-tourism opportunities, Miri is a great destination that may soon see more attention from travelers.
Are you looking forward to these upcoming expansions? Share with us in the comments.
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Main image: istockphoto/tomgigabite
