Airports of Thailand (AOT), the operator of Thailand’s major airports, has released its financial results for the first half of fiscal year 2024 (October 2023 – March 2024).
Overall, the figures paint a positive picture of a resurgent aviation industry. The report boasts significant increases in flight volume, passenger numbers, and net profit.
Taken together, these key indicators signal a strong recovery for Thailand’s aviation sector, after the challenges posed by the pandemic era.
Growth Across International and Domestic Routes
AOT reported a total of 367,032 flights handled during the first half (H1). This represents a healthy 16.86% increase compared to the same period last year.
This growth is evident in both international (203,731 flights) and domestic (163,301 flights) travel. This reflects a return of confidence from both international travelers and Thai citizens looking to explore their own country.
International Arrivals Buoyed by Free Visa Policy
The number of passengers utilizing AOT airports during the first half reached a staggering 61.22 million. This marked a significant 23.78% increase year-on-year.
International passengers comprised the larger share of this growth, with 36.82 million travelers arriving from abroad.
This surge in international arrivals can be attributed, in part, to the successful implementation of the Thai government’s Free Visa policy.
This initiative has attracted a significant number of travelers from key markets. The China market saw passenger numbers increase by a remarkable 113%. Another notable market increase was India, which was up by 22%.
