Thailand’s six main airports reported a 15.5% rise in passenger traffic to 66.3 million for the year ending in September 2011, compared with the corresponding period in 2010.

The airports are Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai and Phuket.

International passengers rose by 17.5% to 42.1 million during the period, while domestic passengers increased by 12% to 24.2 million.

Total aircraft movements at the six airports rose by 14.4% to 441,440, including 248,388 international flights, which is an increase of 15.2%, and 193,052 domestic flights, up by 13.5%.

Cargo throughput during the period increased by 3.97% to stand at 1.44 million tonnes compared with 2010.

International cargo volumes rose by 3.66% to 1.32 million tonnes, and domestic cargo totalled 116,156 tonnes, a rise of 7.71%.

The bulk of traffic was handled by Suvarnabhumi International Airport, which reported a 12.5% rise in passenger numbers at 47.8 million, according to bankkokpost.com.