Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) says it is ready to begin work on a 36.8-billion-baht plan to expand the low-cost terminal at Don Mueang Airport.

Construction will begin this year and take until 2029, AOT said, adding that the expansion would increase handling capacity at the airport to 40 million passengers per year from 30 million now.

The investment included 12 aircraft parking stands and 11 jet bridges.

AOT said it would use operating cash flow to fund the investment. The cabinet approved the expansion plan in November last year.

Work under the project is divided into six segments.

The first will involve development of an area to the south of the airport for construction of a third passenger terminal building with a new concourse. A seven-storey car park will be renovated.

Another segment will involve the development of the airport’s northern side, including renovation of aircraft parking bays and expansion of the northern concourse as well as offices and VVIP lounges.

AOT operates six international airports, including Suvarnabhumi, which can handle 45 million passengers annually.