On November 6, Khon Kaen International Airport conducted full-scale operational tests on its four newly renovated boarding bridges with collaboration from Thai AirAsia and airport staff. These tests, involving flights such as FD-8040 and TG-044 from Bangkok, mark the final stage of renovations following a year-long closure of the boarding bridges. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has approved the official reopening for November 28, creating excitement among passengers witnessing the readiness of Khon Kaen's upgraded facilities.

Airport Director Athaya Lapmak confirmed that the four boarding bridges are fully functional and ready for commercial service, with various domestic flights scheduled for daytime and nighttime tests. The airport's infrastructure now allows for up to 12 aircraft to be parked simultaneously, meeting CAAT’s strict operational standards. In October alone, Khon Kaen Airport handled 136,763 passengers and 874 flights across major airlines including Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Thai Airways, and Thai Vietjet Air. Over the first 10 months of 2023, the airport has served 1.3 million passengers with 8,518 flights, connecting routes like Bangkok-Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.

Director Athaya projects that total passenger volume will exceed 1.5 million by year’s end. Currently, the airport operates 14 commercial flights daily, totaling 28 round trips. Additional flights are also expected as winter tourism season approaches, with new route requests for Don Mueang-Khon Kaen and increased service frequency on the Khon Kaen-Chiang Mai route.