THAILAND. Airports of Thailand (AOT) is contemplating a revamp of duty-free operations at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport as part of the hub’s fifth masterplan, which sets out its long-term development strategy.
As reported by Thai PBS World, AOT President Paweena Jariyathitipong cited underperforming duty-free retail as a reason for reassessing how airport space is allocated to better meet passenger demand.
The preliminary plan proposes a reduction and reallocation of existing retail space to accommodate additional automated immigration gates and upgraded merchandise collection counters for online orders.
According to Thai PBS World, AOT is currently negotiating with King Power Duty Free, its anchor commercial tenant, on a revised operational model.
King Power Duty Free told The Moodie Davitt Report the matter is still under discussion with no agreement in place. We have reached out to Airports of Thailand for comment.
The updated masterplan is under review by the Ministry of Transport, following presentations to relevant agencies, including the Cabinet Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s team. The plan comprehensively reviews the airport’s expansion framework, which is revised every five years in line with standard aviation guidelines.
The discussions aim to deliver a mutually beneficial agreement while addressing the high costs of infrastructure, inventory and internal logistics associated with traditional duty-free stores.
The airport company is also preparing to launch premium services for arriving and departing passengers, with further details expected this November. Planned offerings include valet parking, electric buggy transfers within the terminal and dedicated fast-track assistance, available individually rather than as bundled packages.
The planned duty-free overhaul at Suvarnabhumi Airport forms part of a broader development strategy as AOT seeks to double the airport’s annual passenger capacity to 120 million within the next seven years, Bangkok Post reported.
Jariyathitipong told The Post the airport company was preparing to present Suvarnabhumi’s updated development plan and the East Expansion project to the Cabinet.
The wider development programme includes construction of a southern terminal and a fourth runway, with both projects expected to be completed within six to seven years.
Procurement for the East Expansion project is due to begin in 2027, with the four-year project set to increase capacity at check-in and baggage-handling facilities to serve at least 10 million passengers annually. ✈
