Bangkok — The Ministry of Transport is accelerating the modernization of Thailand’s aviation sector by upgrading aviation infrastructure and adopting advanced digital technologies to enhance air traffic management, improve flight safety, reduce delays, and support environmentally sustainable aviation.

Pattarapong Pattaraprasit, Deputy Minister of Transport, said the Ministry has instructed the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AeroThai) to expedite the integration of weather radar data with information from the Meteorological Department. The initiative will provide air traffic controllers with accurate and real-time weather information to improve flight management, particularly during periods of severe weather and turbulence.

The integration is expected to enhance aviation safety, minimize disruptions affecting passengers, and improve the overall efficiency of Thailand’s air traffic management system.

At the same time, the Ministry is advancing the development of the System Wide Information Management (SWIM) platform, which will facilitate the secure exchange of digital aviation data in accordance with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Under the initiative, AeroThai aims to become a SWIM Service Provider by 2030, marking a major milestone in Thailand’s transition toward a modern, data-driven aviation management system. The Ministry is also urging closer cooperation between AeroThai and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to ensure Thailand’s seamless integration with the global aviation network within the targeted timeframe, supporting the country’s ambition to become a world-class aviation hub.

Mr. Pichet Kunathamarak, Chairman of the Board of AeroThai, said Thailand’s aviation sector continues to demonstrate steady recovery and growth despite challenges from external factors, including geopolitical tensions such as the conflict in the Middle East.

For fiscal year 2026 (October 2025 – September 2026), AeroThai forecasts a total of 919,643 flights, averaging 2,520 flights per day, representing a 1.64 percent increase compared with fiscal year 2025.

As of the latest figures, Thailand’s air traffic volume has reached 777,456 flights, averaging 2,558 flights per day. The figure consists of 385,991 international flights, 297,234 domestic flights, and 94,231 flights transiting through Thai airspace, with overall traffic levels remaining in line with projections.

Despite the impact of global uncertainties, the continued increase in flight activity reflects the resilience of Thailand’s aviation industry and its stable growth trajectory.

The countries generating the highest volume of flights to, from, and through Thailand are China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, highlighting Thailand’s strategic position as a key aviation gateway in the region.

Among Thailand’s busiest airports, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, Phuket International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, and Samui Airport recorded the highest flight volumes, respectively.

A major milestone in regional air connectivity will be the opening of the L770 (NAN–SAGAG) air route on September 3, 2026. The new route, developed through cooperation between Thailand, China, and Laos, will provide a more direct flight path between Thailand and China, reducing flight distances by approximately 27.5–35.2 nautical miles.

The new route is expected to improve air traffic management efficiency, reduce airline operating costs, lower fuel consumption, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. It will also support the continued growth of air travel between Southeast Asia and China, one of the world’s most important aviation markets, while strengthening regional connectivity and advancing sustainable aviation development.

Mr. Surachai Nuphrom, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Managing Director of the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AeroThai), said AeroThai is continuing to develop air navigation technologies in line with government policy and the Ministry of Transport’s strategy to establish Thailand as a world-class aviation hub.

He highlighted six major projects aimed at transforming Thailand’s air traffic management system through innovation and digital technology.

1. Weather Radar Data Integration Project

The Weather Radar Data Integration Project, developed in cooperation with the Meteorological Department, aims to enhance aviation safety by incorporating real-time weather radar information into the air traffic management system.

The system will provide detailed information on rainfall patterns, including cloud locations, intensity, and movement trends. Weather data will be displayed together with flight paths and aircraft positions on air traffic controllers’ screens, particularly at high-traffic airports affected by changing weather conditions.

The project is expected to be introduced first at Suvarnabhumi Airport in 2027, enabling real-time weather monitoring and analysis. It will improve decision-making accuracy for air traffic controllers and pilots, reduce the impact of severe weather conditions, and further enhance flight safety.

2. Digital and Remote Tower Development Project

AeroThai is also implementing Digital Tower technology at Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport, along with Remote Tower systems at Narathiwat Airport and Betong Airport.

The systems will utilize high-performance surveillance cameras and intelligent display technologies to improve air traffic control efficiency, enhance operational visibility, increase safety, and ensure continuity of air navigation services.

Procurement is scheduled to begin in October 2026, with operations expected to commence in 2028.

3. System Monitoring and Control (SMC) Development Project

The System Monitoring and Control (SMC) project will establish a 24-hour monitoring and control system for Thailand’s air navigation infrastructure.

The centralized system will enable nationwide monitoring from a single control center, covering communication networks, navigation equipment, aircraft surveillance systems, network infrastructure, air traffic control services, and supporting systems.

The project will allow faster detection, analysis, and resolution of technical issues. Initial implementation is planned at the Hat Yai Air Traffic Control Center in early 2027, before expanding to all nine major air traffic control centers nationwide by 2028.

4. Modern Aviation System Development Project

AeroThai is advancing Thailand’s aviation systems toward a modern, fully digital environment through the adoption of System Wide Information Management (SWIM) technology.

The project will transform aviation data exchange by connecting different aviation systems through a secure digital network by 2030. It will support the transition from traditional flight planning systems to a more advanced platform capable of anticipating changes and providing timely information for decision-making.

The initiative will improve safety, efficiency, and coordination across the aviation sector by ensuring that accurate, interconnected, and real-time data is available to all relevant stakeholders.

5. Bay of Bengal Cooperative Air Traffic Flow Management (BOBCAT) Service

AeroThai’s Bay of Bengal Cooperative Air Traffic Flow Management System (BOBCAT) continues to play an important role in regional air navigation services, particularly amid increased demand caused by disruptions in global aviation routes.

The system manages air traffic flows for flights passing through Afghan airspace and has experienced significant growth in usage during the Middle East conflict. The average number of flights using the BOBCAT system increased from 46 flights per night to 77 flights per night, representing a 67 percent increase.

The system has also improved operational efficiency for airlines by reducing aircraft holding time by approximately 73,268 minutes, saving more than 8,353 tons of fuel.

During the first 300 days of operation following the resumption of services from September 2025 to June 2026, BOBCAT helped reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 26,394 tons.

The system has received positive feedback from international airlines, recognizing its effectiveness and demonstrating the global potential of technology developed by AeroThai.

6. Sustainable Aviation Development through Green Air Traffic Management

AeroThai is also advancing environmentally sustainable aviation through air traffic management solutions designed to reduce flight time, fuel consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.

These efforts have enabled AeroThai to receive Green ATM Level 2 certification from the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), with plans to advance toward Green ATM Level 3 certification in the future.

Overall, AeroThai’s ongoing initiatives reflect Thailand’s commitment to developing a safe, modern, and technology-driven air navigation system aligned with international standards. Through continuous innovation and digital transformation, these projects will support the sustainable growth of Thailand’s aviation industry and strengthen the country’s ambition to become a world-class aviation hub, benefiting airlines, passengers, and the regional aviation network.