PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand’s Department of Airports (DOA) has officially conducted a soft opening of the new passenger terminal at Buriram Airport, significantly increasing its capacity and positioning the province as a growing hub for sport tourism ahead of the MotoGP 2026 season opener later this month.
DOA Director-General Danai Ruangsorn said the trial operation began on February 6, with the new terminal welcoming passengers on four Thai AirAsia flights operating the Don Mueang–Buriram–Don Mueang routes (FD3520/3521 and FD3522/3523). The soft opening allows authorities to test systems and service readiness before a surge in arrivals linked to major international events.
The new terminal marks a major upgrade for Buriram Airport, enabling it to handle both domestic and international flights. Officials said the trial phase is designed to fine-tune operations, safety procedures, and passenger flow ahead of the PT Grand Prix of Thailand MotoGP 2026, which will be held from February 27 to March 1.
In preparation, the Department of Airports has worked closely with airlines to simulate real operating conditions and review results for further improvements. Readiness measures cover infrastructure systems such as electricity, water supply, air-conditioning, security screening, CCTV coverage, and bilingual Thai-English signage, as well as ensuring sufficient staffing levels to cope with peak passenger volumes.
Deputy Director-General Kiatichai Chai-rueangyot was assigned to oversee the soft opening on site, where operations ran smoothly. Passengers arriving on Thai AirAsia flights were welcomed with small souvenirs to mark the first day of service at the new terminal.
The new passenger terminal offers a total usable area of 25,500 square meters and can accommodate up to 1,000 passengers per hour, or approximately 2.8 million passengers annually. The expanded capacity is expected to significantly enhance air connectivity for Thailand’s lower northeastern region and support Buriram’s ambitions to become a center for international sporting events.
Buriram will host the opening round of the MotoGP 2026 season, with heavy air traffic expected between February 18 and March 2. During that period, more than 120 scheduled, charter, private, and special flights are expected to operate through Buriram Airport, carrying an estimated 20,000 passengers.
Officials believe the upgraded airport infrastructure will play a key role in linking sport, tourism, and local culture, helping to generate income and stimulate economic growth not only in Buriram province, but across the wider region and Thailand as a whole.
