Passenger traffic through Thailand's six main airports during the New Year holiday is expected to grow at a more moderate rate, reflecting tamer travel sentiment.
The Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) estimates passenger throughput at 2.69 million between Dec 29 and Jan 4, up by 6.16% year-on-year to a daily average of 384,892.
AoT officials said the passenger volumes are based on the assumption that an airline can fill 80% of available seats on each flight. Total throughput could soar past 3 million if they manage to carry passengers at aircraft capacity.
Aircraft movements, defined as take-offs and landings as booked by airlines, are projected to rise by 9.82% in the period to 16,911, or a daily average of 2,416.
Thailand's air travel in the festive season is going through a more subdued mood due partly to the local and global sluggish economic situation, the slowdown in Chinese arrivals and mourning for the late King Bhumibhol Adulyadej.
Suvarnabhumi, the gateway airport, would see a 2.61% rise in passenger tally in the holiday period to 179,300 a day, with 1,008 aircraft movements a day, up by 6.22%.
Don Mueang, the low-cost carrier hub, would see a 5.93% rise in passenger count to 102,000 a day, with a 10.1% growth in aircraft movements to 730 a day.
Phuket, the country's third busiest airport, would see passenger traffic jumping 19% to 55,600 a day with aircraft movements growing 12.7% to 320 a day.
Chiang Mai airport is expected to see a mere 2.19% rise in its passenger throughput to 29,200, although aircraft movements would leap by 14.6% to 220 a day.
At Hat Yai airport, passenger volume is expected to increase by 20.1% to 12,000 a day with a 23.2% jump in aircraft movements to 85 a day.
Passenger traffic at Chiang Rai airport is projected to grow by 9.1% to 6,700 a day, with aircraft movements up 23.3%.