AOT: Suvarnabhumi expansion is essential

 Somchai Sawasdipolol, a senior executive vice president, said that the National Economic and Social Development Board, Transport Ministry and the Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning Office are conducting the study. The Cabinet has approved in principle the development which would entail Bt73 billion in budget.

 The executive noted that Suvarnabhumi is running near its full capacity, as the number of passengers has risen to 42 million per annum while the airport's capacity is 45 million. The expansion, to increase the capacity to 52 million passengers per annum, would take 5 years for completion.

 He insisted that the expansion is essential, despite signs of economic slowdown. Meanwhile, AOT could benefit from a drop in construction materials prices amid the declines in oil prices.

 He did not anticipate more protests from surrounding neighbourhood, given that in 2009 fiscal year, AOT has allocated a Bt5 billion budget which would be paid out to those who have been disturbed by the noise pollution from the airport.