Navigating Krabi Airport: English Signage And Wayfinding

Krabi International Airport (KBV) is a small airport located in Nuea Khlong subdistrict, Nuea Khlong district, Krabi province in southern Thailand. The airport has seen significant growth in passenger traffic over the years, with expansion plans underway to accommodate more passengers. Krabi Airport offers basic amenities and services, including lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, and food options. While the airport does have signs in English, a visitor noted that the English on some signs was bad. Transportation options from the airport include an official airport bus, local buses, taxis, and car rental services.

Terminal 1 and 2

Krabi International Airport (KBV) in Thailand has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which are connected by a small walkway. Terminal 1 serves international flights, while Terminal 2 is for domestic flights. The airport is quite small compared to other international airports and offers only basic amenities.

Terminal 1 is on two levels, with the upper level dedicated to departures, including check-in, reservations, and ticketing, and access to the departure lounge. The check-in counters for several airlines, including Air Asia, Thai Airways, Firefly, and Tiger Air, can be found on the back wall of the terminal building on the upper level. The upper level also has a walkway with a restaurant and a prayer room. The lower level of Terminal 1 is for flight arrivals, with coffee shops, car hire services, information desks, and a bank to change money. The exit leads directly to the car park area.

Terminal 2 is for domestic flights and has a smaller parking area than Terminal 1. The information desk in Terminal 2 is located on the left side of the exit gates at arrivals. Check-in for Nok Air is in Terminal 2 only, and Air Asia has six self-check-in machines located near the lift to the lower level. After check-in, passengers can proceed through security and then wait in the departure lounge for their flight.

The airport provides free Wi-Fi access, and there are several lounges operated by airlines that offer Wi-Fi as well. There are a few shops and eateries open from morning until 8:00 PM. The airport is wheelchair accessible, and assistance can be requested by contacting the airport or the relevant airline.

Transportation options from the airport include taxis, airport buses, and songthaews (shared-ride minibuses). The airport bus service runs between the airport and Krabi Town, with tickets costing around 100-150 THB. Taxis are available outside both terminals and can be booked in advance. Songthaews are a more affordable option but are not permitted on airport property, so passengers must walk to the main road to catch one.

Transport to and from the airport

Krabi International Airport (KBV) is located in Nuea Khlong subdistrict, Nuea Khlong district, Krabi province in southern Thailand. It is about 7 kilometres (4 mi) east of downtown Krabi and is the nearest airport to Ao Nang and Railay Beach, as well as the islands of Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi. Krabi Airport is also conveniently located near several of Thailand's major tourist hotspots.

There are a few transport options for getting to and from Krabi Airport. Here are some of the most popular choices:

Bus

There is a bus service operated by Pichet Transport Company that runs between Krabi Airport and Krabi Town. The bus departs from outside Terminals 1 and 2, with services running from early morning to late at night. The journey takes around 25-40 minutes, and tickets can be purchased from a kiosk in the Arrivals Hall for €2.60 (THB 90).

Taxi

Taxis are available at Krabi Airport, but there have been reports of rip-offs, with no metered taxis available.

Shuttle Bus

Krabi Airport offers a shuttle bus service for THB 90, which is a cheap option for getting to and from the airport.

Private Transfer

Welcome Pickups offers a private transfer service from Krabi Airport to Krabi Town. This option includes an English-speaking driver who can provide local tips and a mini tour of the town. The cost is agreed upon at the time of booking, with no hidden extras.

Minivan

Minivans are available for transport between Krabi Airport and Ko Lanta. Krabi Transfers is one operator that offers both shared and private transportation options. The average ticket price is 350 Baht per person, including the ferry. Tickets can be purchased at the airport or online.

English Signs at Krabi Airport

Krabi Airport has signs in English, although some travellers have described the English as "bad". However, the airport staff may have limited English proficiency, as reported by one traveller who encountered difficulty communicating with the baggage x-ray staff.

Airport amenities

Krabi International Airport (KBV) in Thailand is a small airport with two terminals that handle domestic and international flights. The airport has a few basic amenities, including a restaurant, prayer room, coffee shops, car hire, information desks, banks, and shops. The airport also offers a shuttle bus service for 90 baht, and prepaid flat-rate taxis are available for hire in the ground transportation area.

The airport does not have electronic goods, alcohol, or tobacco shops like other international airports. However, it does offer 24-hour food options and free WiFi. Luggage carts are available throughout the airport, and there is a general store that opens as early as 6:30 am. All shops are open until 8:00 pm.

The upper level of Terminal 1 is dedicated to departures, including check-in, reservations, ticketing, and access to the departure lounge. There is also a walkway on the upper level with a restaurant and prayer room. The lower level of Terminal 1 is for flight arrivals, with coffee shops, car hire, information desks, and banks. Terminal 2 is used for check-in by Nok Air passengers only.

Krabi Airport is conveniently located near several of Thailand's major tourist hotspots. It is the nearest airport to Ao Nang, Railay Beach, and the islands of Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan, Koh Muk, and Koh Lipe. The airport is also just a 45-minute drive from the popular tourist town of Ao Nang and Krabi Town. There are hotels located just a 5-minute drive away in Neua Klong, and some hotels in Krabi Town offer free shuttle services to and from the airport.

Airport expansion plans

Krabi International Airport in Thailand has been undergoing expansion to accommodate more passengers. The airport, which is located about 7 kilometres (4 miles) from downtown Krabi, first opened in 1999. In 2017, it handled 4.3 million passengers, exceeding its capacity of 3 million.

The expansion plans include the construction of a third passenger terminal, renovations to the existing two terminals, and enhancements to the car park building. The project also involves expanding aircraft parking bays and upgrading the airport's electrical system. In 2018, 6.6 billion baht was allocated to this expansion project, with an expected completion date of late 2024. The new facilities are set to be operational by 2025, increasing the airport's capacity to 8 million passengers annually.

Krabi Airport currently has two terminals, with Terminal 1 being the only one with immigration facilities for international arrivals and departures. The upper level of Terminal 1 is for departures, including check-in, reservations, ticketing, and access to the departure lounge. There is also a restaurant and a prayer room on this level. The lower level of Terminal 1 is for arrivals, with coffee shops, car hire services, information desks, and a bank to change money.

Despite being a pleasant and calm airport with clean facilities, Krabi Airport has been criticised for its lack of amenities compared to other international airports. There have also been complaints about the lack of English signage, rude staff, and confusing policies regarding water bottles. However, the airport's small size makes baggage handling and pickup relatively easy for passengers.

English language ability of staff

The English language ability of staff at Krabi International Airport has been described as "poor" by some travellers. One reviewer noted that the baggage x-ray staff member was "shouting" at them in English, but they "couldn't understand a single word she said". When the reviewer asked the staff member to repeat what she was saying, she allegedly shouted, "do you understand?" repeatedly. This incident suggests that at least some staff members have limited English proficiency and may struggle with more complex communication.

However, it is important to note that other travellers have not mentioned significant language barriers with airport staff. The airport serves as a gateway to popular tourist destinations in Thailand, and staff are likely accustomed to interacting with international visitors. While there may be varying levels of English proficiency among the staff, basic communication and essential travel-related tasks can presumably be accomplished in English.

The airport's website and other online resources do not explicitly mention any English language training or requirements for staff. However, as the airport continues to expand and renovate, it is possible that staff training and development, including language skills, will become a more significant focus. This could help improve the overall traveller experience and reduce potential language-related issues.

In addition to the English language skills of the staff, it is worth noting that the airport has been criticised for its signage. Some travellers have described the English signs as "bad" or "poorly translated," which can make navigating the airport challenging for international visitors. This further highlights the potential language barriers that travellers may encounter at Krabi International Airport.

In summary, while there may be room for improvement regarding the English language skills of staff at Krabi International Airport, it is important to recognise that the airport serves a significant number of international travellers. As such, basic communication and essential tasks can likely be accomplished in English, even if more complex discussions may be challenging. The airport's ongoing expansion and increasing focus on tourism may lead to enhanced staff training, including language skills, to better accommodate the diverse needs of its growing international passenger base.

Frequently asked questions