Contact

Aeronautical Information Management Department
222 Soi Vibhavadi Rangsit 28,
Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd., Chatuchak,
Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 Thailand

Tel: +662 568 8831

Fax: +662 576 1903

AFS: VTBAYOYX

Email: [email protected]

AIC for Thailand

AIC

07/25

Effective from 21 AUG 2025

to UFN

Published on 21 AUG 2025

RUNWAY UTILIZATION GUIDELINE AND APPROACH PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS
AT SUVARNABHUMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (VTBS)

1 PURPOSE

This Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) provides information regarding:

1.1 Runway utilization guidelines following the implementation of the 3-Runway System (3-RS) at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (VTBS)

1.2 Requirements for approach procedures and aircraft navigation capabilities

1.3 Conditions for requesting runway changes

This circular is issued to promote safe and efficient traffic operations in light of increasing demand.

2 BACKGROUND

2.1 Runway System
Suvarnabhumi Airport operates under a 3-Runway System consisting of:
- Runway 01/19
- Runway 02R/20L
- Runway 02L/20R

2.2 Operational Context
The increasing volume of air traffic at VTBS requires optimal runway allocation. To support this, a structured runway utilization guideline has been developed with consideration of air traffic flow efficiency and operational safety.

3 STANDARD RUNWAY UTILIZATION

3.1 Normal Operations
Under normal operating conditions, the general runway usage at VTBS is as follows:
- Runway 01/19 – Mixed operations (arrivals and departures)
- Runway 02R/20L – Primary runway for departures
- Runway 02L/20R – Primary runway for arrivals (currently a Non-Precision Approach Runway)

3.2 ATC Responsibility
- Air Traffic Control (ATC) will allocate runway usage in accordance with real-time operational conditions, traffic complexity, and safety considerations.
- Operators and flight crew are kindly requested to follow the assigned runway to support an efficient and balanced traffic flow.
- Runway usage assignments are subject to change, especially during peak traffic periods or when operational adjustments are required.
- For more details, Runway Utilization Procedures are specified in AIP-Thailand, Part 3 VTBS AD 2.20 Local Aerodrome Regulations.

4 APPROACH PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Approach Capability
Aircraft operating at VTBS should be capable of performing either an ILS or RNP approach as may be assigned by ATC.

4.2 ATC Instructions
Flight crews are expected to comply with:
- The designated landing runway
- The specified approach procedure (ILS or RNP) as instructed by ATC

4.3 Notification Requirement
If unable to perform RNP Approach, pilots should inform Bangkok Approach (BKK APP) upon initial contact or as early as possible.

5 CONDITIONS FOR RUNWAY CHANGE REQUESTS

5.1 Permissible Conditions
Runway change requests may be considered under the following circumstances:
- GNSS signal interference (e.g., GPS jamming or spoofing) encountered by the flight crew, with a significant safety impact affecting
flight operations
- Low visibility or adverse weather affecting runway usability
- Navigation or equipment limitations
- Emergency or abnormal situations

5.2 Non-Permissible Conditions
The following are not considered valid reasons for runway change requests:
- Crew preference based on convenience or familiarity
- Airline procedures favoring ILS over RNP, unless declared in the flight plan or pre-coordinated
- Minor route optimization concerns

6 OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

6.1 Traffic Flow Management
To maintain overall air traffic flow efficiency, aircraft unable to comply with the assigned runway or approach procedure may require additional sequencing or vectoring within the arrival management system.

6.2 Special Circumstances
In special scenarios such as:
- Severe weather
- Runway closures or maintenance
- Equipment outages or degraded navigation capability

ATC will issue further instructions and activate appropriate contingency procedures. Additionally, due to the close proximity of Runway 02L/20R to Runway 02R/20L as shown in Appendix A, flight crews are encouraged to maintain situational awareness during approach, landing and
taxi operations, especially by positively identifying the correct runway and its orientation.

7 FLIGHT PLANNING

7.1 Equipment Indication
Operators are encouraged to ensure that navigation capabilities are correctly reflected in Flight Plan Items 10 and 18.

7.2 Pre-Flight Preparation
Flight crews are advised to review the latest approach charts and runway availability at VTBS during pre-flight planning.

7.3 Special Requirements Notification
Where applicable, operators should indicate any navigation limitations or special needs in the flight plan remarks (RMK/) or communicate them via appropriate channels prior to flight.

8 COLLABORATION

Operators are encouraged to ensure that flight crews are well-informed of these procedures and capable of conducting RNP approaches when assigned. Your cooperation in adhering to the assigned runway and approach procedure contributes directly to smoother operations, reduced congestion, and enhanced safety for all users of VTBS. We appreciate your continued support and understanding.

9 IMPLEMENTATION

These guidelines are implemented to optimize the use of the 3-Runway System at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Effective collaboration between ATC and all operators is essential to ensure continued efficiency, safety, and operational predictability.

10 CONTACT INFORMATION

Aeronautical radio of Thailand
Miss Jananya Siripanee
Tel: +662 131 3644
Mobile: +668 6971 5552
Fax: +662 131 3643
E-mail: [email protected]