The Thai government has approved a scheme to redevelop Bangkok's Don Mueang airport to handle more domestic and low-cost flights.

The scheme, proposed by Airports of Thailand, is designed to relieve pressure on the Thai capital's main airport, Suvarnabhumi, which is currently undergoing runway repair work. Under the plan, which was rubber-stamped on Wednesday, Don Mueang will now undergo a THB1.6 billion (US$50.9 million) development project, upgrading runways and other facilities.

Once this is complete, the airport will handle an increasing number of domestic and low-cost airlines. Bangkok handled almost 48 million passengers in 2011, about four million more than its planned capacity.

Late last year, it was announced that plans are in place to speed up the second phase of Suvarnabhumi's development, taking capacity to 65 million passengers per year by 2016.

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