Bangkok Airways Grows Samui Into Second Hub

Looking to increase overseas airlift into the resort island of Koh Samui, Bangkok Airways has announced plans to use the privately operated airport into its second international hub. While reportedly targeting mid range locations, no firm routes have been finalized.
While a new half a billion baht upgraded terminal was brought into service last year, restrictions on limited daily flights to 36 per day have restrained tourism growth. Linking this are environmental controls and a limit on hours in which flight landings and take offs are allowed.
Bangkok Airways who have a controlling stake in the airport continue to dominate the traffic into the island, though Thai Airways does have limited domestic services. The airlines international routes to the island is limited, highlighted by Hong Kong and Singapore service; while Malaysia's Firefly and Berjaya Air both fly from Thailand's southern neighbor.