From The Thaiger

Chiang Mai Airport is set to table its expansion proposal to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin during his scheduled visit this weekend. The airport’s director, Wijit Kaewsaitiam, revealed that the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) is set to spearhead the construction of the terminal’s first phase.

The extension plan is aimed at significantly increasing the airport’s capacity, allowing it to accommodate over 16.5 million travellers annually, a huge leap from the current eight million. The airport also intends to ramp up its flight operations to 30 flights per hour, effectively doubling its existing capacity.

Wijit also noted that the airport’s operating hours would be extended to operate 24 hours a day. This is to facilitate a higher frequency of international flights, especially those originating from Europe.

17 minutes ago, reader said:

This is to facilitate a higher frequency of international flights, especially those originating from Europe.

I can' t see necessity for many direct flights from Europe to Chiang Mai ...

But more opportunities for brown envelopes!

I have seen some mention that the current airport is operating over capacity. But "the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) is set to spearhead the construction of the terminal’s first phase." makes it sound like a boondoggle for sure

4 hours ago, reader said:

 

Wijit also noted that the airport’s operating hours would be extended to operate 24 hours a day.

considering airport is quite close to the city I'm not sure that is such great idea and doubt local population applaud it

The Bangkok Post is reporting that 24-hour operations commence next Wednesday.

1 hour ago, reader said:

The Bangkok Post is reporting that 24-hour operations commence next Wednesday.

feel sorry for people living nearby and there's plenty of those as CM airport is very close to the city core. 

But as we commented in Jomtien  thread, Asians seem to like noise