Thailand's new international airport is on track to open in September next year as part of the country's plan to become a regional aviation hub, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said on Tuesday.

"Our aim is to make Thailand an air hub in Southeast Asia. And next year, we will have the Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is our new dream," Suriya told a news conference.

His comments came amid growing speculation that the airport on the outskirts of Bangkok might not open on schedule after the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said earlier this month delays of 12-18 months were likely.

The Suvarnabhumi Airport, which covers 3,200 hectares (7,900 acres), will be able to handle 45 million passengers per year and compete with Singapore's Changi Airport and Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur International Airport, government officials said.

It will be operated by state-run Airports of Thailand, which runs the capital's Don Muang Airport and four other international airports around the country.

(Reuters)