New airstrip being built on Koh PhaNgan - comments?

[Jose22]

Koh PhaNgan is a small island next to Koh Samui in the gulf of Thailand. A 1100m airstrip is being built (nearest airport is in Samui) to accommodate Bombardier Q400 turboprops (http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/aviation/384196/kan-air-eyes-four-jets-for-koh-phangan) landing there on a regular basis.

http://i.imgur.com/Ni3MmPb.jpg


As can be seen in the recent pic below, the hilly terrain may be less than optimal for this short airstrip. There is no infrastructure in place (electricity, water, sealed roads) for miles.

http://www.charmbeach.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1278440_10151853229145569_269217505_n.jpg

Any comments on the viability of this project?

[training wheels]

Mate, you've obviously never been to Mae Hong Son! ... Even 737s land there despite the mountainous terrain!

[eloigorri]

This is great news if it actually happens.

There is apparently a lot of local resistance to it being built.

I have been told this strip will be available for GA aircraft, unlike the monopoly of Bangkok Airways on Samui.


E

[flyboy_nz]

There is apparently a lot of local resistance to it being built.

No surprises there, as some of the locals would be running the business of transporting people to Koh Samui by boats. Arrival of airplanes would cut their business big time.

A caravan/twotter would be perfect from Koh Samui to here.