Thailand's top state-controlled airport operator projected a 10 percent rise in passenger traffic in fiscal 2009/10 from a year earlier, bolstered by political stability and an improving economy.
"As long as domestic politics are stable and economic conditions do not get worse, passengers should grow 10 percent next year, double the normal 5-6 percent growth," Airports of Thailand President Serirat Prasutanond told reporters.
"We started to see a recovery in passengers from September."
The operator expects to report a 12 percent contraction in passenger traffic and a 3-4 percent drop in flights when it announces 2008/09 results later this month, Serirat said.
It made a net profit of THB1.47 billion baht (USD$44.3 million) in the first nine months.
AOT operates the country's six main airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang in Bangkok, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phuket, which handle 90 percent of Thailand's air traffic.
AOT is expected to pare back a five-year investment plan worth THB80 billion (USD$2.41 billion) during a review by its board in December, citing lower construction costs.
