Hua Hin Airport among next in line for certification as Thailand raises aviation standards
Hua Hin Airport certification is moving forward as the airport enters the final stages of Thailand’s nationwide programme to standardise and improve aviation safety.
Following the recent certification of Phitsanulok and Krabi airports, the Department of Airports (DOA) confirmed that Hua Hin Airport is now in Phase 4 of the five-step certification process. This stage involves on-site operational inspections carried out by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), and places Hua Hin on track to gain its public airport certification within the next year.
The certification programme, governed by Section 45 of the amended Air Navigation Act, requires all public airports operated by government agencies to meet CAAT standards before receiving approval to continue operations. Once compliance is confirmed through documentation checks and inspections, CAAT issues an official certificate recognising the airport’s operational readiness and safety protocols.
Deputy Transport Minister Monporn Charoensri announced that Phitsanulok and Krabi became the fourth and fifth DOA-operated airports to receive certification, following Betong, Buri Ram, and Surat Thani. She stated that certified airports must strictly adhere to operational guidelines, including maintaining up-to-date Aeronautical Information Publications, following approved airport operation manuals, and conducting internal safety audits.
Monporn emphasised that the certification process helps improve confidence among passengers and airlines, supporting air connectivity and strengthening each airport’s potential to serve as a regional aviation hub.
Hua Hin Airport in phase 4 of the certification process
The DOA aims to certify all 29 airports under its management by 2026. According to DOA Director-General Danai Ruangsorn, 19 airports are currently in various phases of the process:
- Phase 1: Preparation
- Phase 2: Official application – Phetchabun
- Phase 3: Document review – Pai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Phanom, Loei, Chumphon, Ranong, Narathiwat, Phrae
- Phase 4: Operational inspections – Hua Hin, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Trang, Sakon Nakhon, Mae Hong Son, Khon Kaen, Lampang, Roi Et
- Phase 5: Certification issuance – Nakhon Si Thammarat
Nakhon Si Thammarat is expected to be the next to complete the process, while airports in Phases 4 and 5, including Hua Hin, are being asked to accelerate corrective actions based on CAAT feedback to advance to the final stage.
Certification is considered a significant milestone, confirming that an airport has the physical infrastructure, management systems, and contingency plans in place to ensure safety and efficiency.
For Hua Hin, the progress comes at a time of increased development, including the introduction of new flight routes and infrastructure upgrades.
Officials say the certification would not only boost operational credibility but also support Hua Hin’s role in expanding domestic travel and attracting new air services.