Thailand’s main gateway, Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, is about to see its global reputation rise, according to a leading travel website, as the Skytrax aviation ranking service raised the airport’s rating to 4 stars amid ongoing expansion and renovations.

The rating “emphasizes the airport’s continuous efforts to improve its infrastructure and services, positioning it as a major participant in the international aviation sector … and establishing itself as a leader in both passenger experience and operational effectiveness,” wrote the Travel and Tour World travel industry website.

Suvarnabhumi, or New Bangkok International Airport, opened in 2006 with a capacity of 45 million passengers a year. The relentless growth of Thailand’s tourism sector, however, has compelled the government to undertake a phased renovation and expansion of the Kingdom’s largest airport. In 2024, it handled over 62 million passengers, and the facility is on track to handle 150 million passengers per year by 2033.

While construction is underway, Airports of Thailand (AoT), which manages the 20-year-old gateway, has been striving to maintain and improve the traveler experience despite ongoing and complex development. The Skytrax rating is evidence they have been succeeding. Ultimately, AoT’s goal is for Suvarnabhumi to obtain a 5-star rating.

Noting that the airport’s expansion is part of Thailand’s broader effort to become a global aviation hub, Travel and Tour World wrote that Suvarnabhumi is poised to rise to prominence in the world of aviation. The airport is well on its way to reaching its objective of ranking among the top 20 airports in the world thanks to its continuous improvements, calculated expansion plans, and dedication to improving the traveler experience.

Aside from the physical improvements designed to please passengers, Travel and Tour World also wrote that the integration of Thai hospitality into the airport’s environment aims to enhance the overall traveler experience, ensuring that every visitor feels the warmth and charm of the country even before stepping outside the terminal.