Suvarnabhumi plans smaller duty-free retail area and paid passenger services
AOT is discussing changes with King Power, with more purchases to be collected at counters and some retail space reassigned to automated gates.
Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to reduce space occupied by duty-free retailers at Suvarnabhumi International Airport while shifting more sales towards collection counters. The operator also expects to announce a paid Premium Service for passengers in November.
AOT President Paweena Jariyathitipong told Thai PBS that the existing duty-free model had underperformed. Retail sales would remain, but the company would reassess the layout to better reflect passenger needs, with space reassigned to automated gates and potentially other airport services.
Discussions with King Power, AOT’s principal duty-free partner, are continuing. Paweena said infrastructure, inventory and airport logistics made the business costly, requiring an arrangement acceptable to both parties. King Power’s website says travellers can already collect city or online purchases beyond immigration on the fourth-floor departures level.
The planned Premium Service would provide separate arrangements for paying passengers arriving or departing. Individual options, including valet parking and golf cart transfers, would be available without buying a complete package. AOT has yet to decide whether to operate it independently or involve an international partner.
Paweena said the service would provide additional revenue, though not a large amount relative to AOT’s main income. Infoquest reported that partner airports might be involved to extend coverage across the journey.
The retail changes are distinct from a possible restoration of arrivals duty-free shopping, which AOT said in August remained under feasibility study. Separately, Suvarnabhumi’s fifth master plan is awaiting Transport Ministry consideration before submission to Cabinet.
