Betong airport in Yala officially opens on Monday, raising hope it will revitalise tourism and the economy in the country’s southernmost district.
The airport received an operating licence from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) on Jan 28, said Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob.
It is the 29th airport to come under Department of Airports (DOA) supervision.
The air link to Betong provides a safe and convenient alternative to road travel which cut through mountainous terrain, observers say.
The 920-rai airport is capable of handling up to 300 passengers an hour or 800,000 a year, according to Mr Saksayam.
Owned and operated by the DOA, the new airport is about 13 kilometres east of downtown Betong.
The…
