Thailand's six major airports including Suvarnabhumi posted an 18.2% rise in passenger traffic in the first half of this year to 33.5 million, underscoring the country's position as one of the busiest in the region for civil aviation.
High double-digit growth will likely continue through the second half thanks largely to the expected absence of further domestic political turmoil that chased away foreign tourists over the past two-and-a-half years.
Industry analysts say travel demand in the high season, which begins in late October, will also likely expedite growth in passenger traffic.
Figures from Airports of Thailand Plc show international passenger throughput from January to June rose 20.5% year-on-year to 21.3 million, while domestic traffic increased by 14.4% to 12.2 million.
Rising in tandem with the increase in passenger numbers were flight frequencies. Combined takeoffs and landings rose 15.4% year-on-year in the first half to 223,381 _ 125,344 for international (up 16.4%) and 98,037 domestic (up 14.2%).
Cargo volume through the airports in the first half grew more slowly due to the weak global economy, by 3.18% to 706,438 tonnes _ 649,328 tonnes for international (up 2.74%) shipments and 57,110 tonnes domestic (up 8.45%).
Most traffic went through Bangkok's gateway Suvarnabhumi airport, which handled 15.6% more passengers in the first half to hit a record 23.99 million.
International passenger traffic rose 18.95% to 18.8 million while domestic traffic increased 4.9% to 5.2 million.
Suvarnabhumi handled 11.7% more takeoffs and landings year-on-year in the first half to a record 145,100 _ 106,798 international (up 14.3%) and 38,302 domestic (up 4.9%).
The airport handled 669,763 tonnes of freight, up 3.14% year-on-year, with international volume rising 2.82% to 643,478 tonnes and domestic shipments up 11.5% to 26,285 tonnes.
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