Hua Hin set to soar: Runway makeover aims to lift tourism fortunes (2025)

After years stuck on the tarmac, Hua Hin could finally be cleared for international take-off, with a long-overdue runway revamp set to bring in global jet-setters and breathe new life into the coastal city’s flagging tourism trade.

The sun-soaked resort town may soon welcome international flights for the first time in years, as Thai officials look to upgrade the sleepy airport and get Hua Hin flying high again.

Authorities have signed off on a 300 million baht facelift to lengthen and widen the existing runway, allowing wider-bodied aircraft to land. The project, due for completion by April 2026, is part of a nationwide push to promote secondary destinations.

The mayor of Hua Hin, Nopporn Wutthiku, is all in, calling the beachside city a “sea-sand-sun” destination and likening it to a football striker tasked with scoring for the team.

“It is a city that needs to make money for the whole country.”

The airport, which currently only serves a domestic Thai AirAsia route to Chiang Mai, hasn’t seen an international flight since its Kuala Lumpur connection was axed during the 2019 Covid-19 pandemic. Officials are keeping tight-lipped about which airlines or routes may return once the upgrade is done.

But not everyone’s convinced the old airstrip is worth the effort. Some locals are calling for an entirely new international airport further from the urban centre, arguing the existing facility, opened in 1961 and just 6 kilometres from downtown, would worsen traffic woes, said Mayor Nopporn.

“Everyone wants to move forward but I’m not sure about the limitation of the existing runway. There should be another airport that can meet all the needs and standards.”

Local business leaders are also pushing for more government cash to help fix footpaths, signage and essential infrastructure, which they say are already struggling to cope with rising visitor numbers.

“Currently, we have traffic problems during weekends and long weekends. And for water, it will absolutely be an issue,” said business owner Pattana Imsuk. “Footpaths and signage aren’t catered to foreigners either.”

Chanat Pongtratik, vice-chair of the Hua Hin/Cha-am Tourism Business Association, added: “The airport upgrade will increase accessibility, but there are social, cultural, and environmental vulnerabilities. It’s like renovating an old hotel, the capacity doesn’t suit.”

Still, many are optimistic. With the right support and direct flights to other Southeast Asian cities like Singapore, locals believe Hua Hin could finally stand shoulder to shoulder with international destinations like Phuket, and Chiang Mai, reported Channel News Asia.

Hua Hin was also recently upgraded to full city municipality status by royal decree, unlocking bigger budgets and the potential for faster development, said Mayor Nopporn.

“Collaboration is key. We need decision-makers from the central government to work hand-in-hand with the people of Hua Hin, to solve issues and create a good impression for visitors.”

Now all eyes are on whether the revamped runway can give Hua Hin the lift-off it needs, or whether the plan will simply never get off the ground.

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