Don Mueang Airport: Size And Significance

Don Mueang International Airport is one of two airports serving Bangkok, Thailand, the other being Suvarnabhumi Airport. Don Mueang is the second most important flight terminal in Bangkok and was previously the city's main airport until 2006. The airport has three terminals, two of which are active, and is capable of handling 30 million passengers annually. It is considered one of the world's oldest international airports and Asia's oldest operating airport.

Terminals and capacity

Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport has three terminals, but only two are active. Terminal 1 (T1) is for international flights, while Terminal 2 (T2) handles domestic flights. An elevated glass walkway connects the two terminals. There are plans to redevelop the disused Terminal 3.

As of 2012, Terminal 1 can handle 18.5 million passengers annually. In 2013, the airport served 16 million passengers, just shy of its capacity. The completion of Terminal 2 in December 2015 increased Don Mueang's passenger capacity to 30 million a year.

The airport is currently undergoing a 36.8 billion baht expansion, with the third phase scheduled to start in the second half of 2023 and be completed in 2029. This expansion aims to increase the airport's capacity to 50 million passengers per year.

Don Mueang International Airport offers a range of facilities for travellers, including ATMs, currency exchange counters, cafes, restaurants, fast-food chains, duty-free shops, a luggage storage facility, and sleeping facilities.

Historical significance

Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in Bangkok, Thailand, is considered one of the world's oldest international airports and one of Asia's oldest operating airports. It officially opened as a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) base on 27 March 1914, though it had been in use earlier, with the first flights involving the transfer of aircraft of the RTAF on 8 March 1914. Commercial flights began in 1924, making it one of the world's oldest commercial airports.

Before 2006, Don Mueang was known as Bangkok International Airport. It was previously the most important airport in Asia and the hub of Thai Airways International. At its peak in 2004, it served the most air traffic in Thailand, with 80 airlines operating 160,000 flights and handling over 38 million passengers and 700,000 tons of cargo. This made it the 14th busiest airport in the world and the second busiest in Asia by passenger volume.

In September 2006, Don Mueang Airport was closed and replaced by the new Suvarnabhumi Airport. However, due to higher operating costs and safety concerns at the new airport, Don Mueang Airport was reopened on 24 March 2007, and it became a hub for low-cost airlines. In 2012, the Thai government ordered all low-cost, chartered, and non-connecting flights to relocate to Don Mueang, ending the single-airport policy. Don Mueang has since become the world's largest low-cost carrier airport and the second-busiest airport in Thailand.

The airport has three terminals, two of which are active. Terminal 1 handles international flights, while Terminal 2 handles domestic flights. Terminal 2 features a food court selling Thai street food, as well as a variety of shopping options, including duty-free shops. Don Mueang also offers sleeping facilities, medical clinics, pharmacies, and currency exchange services.

Transport to/from the airport

Don Mueang International Airport is located about 23km (14 miles) north of Bangkok's Grand Palace and can be reached from the city centre in about 35 minutes by car. The Don Muang Toll Way connects central Bangkok directly with the airport.

By Car

If you are travelling from Bangkok, you can take the Sirat Expressway and then merge onto the Don Muang Toll Way to reach the airport. The drive time is approximately 35 minutes, depending on traffic.

By Bus

Public buses are a convenient and affordable way to get to and from Don Mueang International Airport. The A1 and A2 airport express buses connect the airport with Bangkok's city centre. The A1 bus serves the Khlong Toei area, while the A2 bus serves the Victory Monument and Khao San Road areas.

By Taxi

Taxis are readily available outside the airport and can take you to your desired destination in Bangkok. Make sure to agree on a price with the driver before starting your journey.

Airport Transfer Services

For a more luxurious option, you can book private car, taxi, or limo services through companies like Klook, which offer a range of airport transfer options to suit your needs.

By Train

The Airport Rail Link (ARL) provides a direct train service between Don Mueang Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport. The ARL City Line stops at various stations in Bangkok, including Makkasan, where you can connect to the MRT subway system, and Phaya Thai, where you can connect to the BTS Skytrain system.

By Motorbike Taxi

Motorbike taxis are a quick and thrilling way to get to and from the airport. They can navigate through traffic and are ideal for solo travellers.

Don Mueang International Airport provides a range of transport options to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you choose public transportation, a private car, or a taxi, you can easily reach your destination in Bangkok and beyond.

Amenities and services

Don Mueang International Airport is one of two international airports serving Bangkok, Thailand, the other being Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). It is one of the world's oldest international airports and one of Asia's oldest operating airports. The airport consists of two terminals: Terminal 1 for international flights and Terminal 2 for domestic flights. These terminals are connected by an exterior elevated walkway of about 200 meters and it takes about five minutes to walk between the two.

Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport offers a range of amenities and services for travellers. Here is a detailed overview:

Information Desk and Assistance: An information desk is located in the main terminal building, and visitors can also call +66 2535 1192 for assistance.

ATMs and Currency Exchange: ATMs are available throughout the airport, and currency exchange counters can be found in both the public area and the secure zones. This is especially useful for travellers who need to obtain Thai Bhat for a visa on arrival.

Dining Options: The airport has an extensive selection of cafés, restaurants, and fast-food chains, particularly in Terminal 2. A food court selling Thai street food can be found on Level 4 of Terminal 2.

Shopping: The airport offers a decent variety of shopping options, including duty-free shops in international departures (Level 3) and arrivals (Level 1). Here, passengers can purchase liquors, tobacco, and other duty-free items.

Luggage Services: Luggage storage facilities are available near Exit 9 on Level 1 of Terminal 2. AIRPORTELs provides 24-hour luggage storage and delivery services to and from the airport. Luggage wrapping services are also available in both Terminals 1 and 2.

Medical Services: Medical clinics can be found on Level 1 of both terminals, with the north end of Terminal 1 specified as the location. Pharmacies are present in both terminals as well.

Lounges: Don Mueang International Airport features a diverse selection of airport lounges catering to different needs and budgets. Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 offer several paid access lounges, including Miracle Lounges, The Coral Executive Lounge, Nok Air Lounge, and The Coral Forest Lounge. These lounges typically offer amenities such as Wi-Fi, refreshments, flight monitors, and more.

Observation Deck: An observation deck is located on Level 4 of Terminal 1, providing a unique perspective of the airport's operations.

Sleeping Facilities: The airport provides two options for resting: Sleep Box by Miracle, with 55 en-suite rooms on Level 4 of Terminal 2, and The Amari Don Muang Airport, which has 429 rooms and suites connected to the terminal building via a covered walkway.

Transportation: Don Mueang International Airport is accessible via multiple transportation options. The Don Mueang Tollway provides a direct connection to central Bangkok, and the drive time is approximately 35 minutes, depending on traffic. Additionally, four bus routes (A1, A2, A3, and A4) service the airport, connecting it to various locations in Bangkok. For intercity travel, the SRT Dark Red Line and the State Railway of Thailand offer services at Don Mueang railway station, linking to central Bangkok.

Accessibility: Basic accessibility features are available at the airport, including ramps, lifts, modified toilets, and electric carts.

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking options are available at the airport, with designated pickup and drop-off locations at both terminals.

Comparison to Suvarnabhumi Airport

Don Mueang International Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport are two airports in Bangkok, Thailand. They are located in different parts of the city and are separated by 24 miles.

Before the opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport in 2006, Don Mueang was the primary international airport in Bangkok. It was closed in September 2006 and replaced by Suvarnabhumi Airport. However, due to higher operating costs and safety concerns at the new airport, Don Mueang Airport was reopened in March 2007 after renovations.

Suvarnabhumi Airport is a modern, sprawling international hub located about 30 minutes east of Bangkok's city centre. It is connected to the city via the Airport Rail Link, making it more convenient for travellers. Suvarnabhumi was designed to handle 45 million passengers per year, but it processed 48 million in 2011 and that number was expected to grow in 2012. The airport has plenty of staff and space, but the security and immigration processes can be time-consuming and overly scrutinous.

On the other hand, Don Mueang is one of Asia's oldest airports, and its facilities are worn and tired. It is located north of the city in a crowded district that is often congested. Delays and red tape are common at Don Mueang, and the airport does not have enough security checkpoints, leading to long queues. However, it has become a regional commuter flight hub and the de facto low-cost airline hub, serving primarily low-cost airlines and carriers that are either Thai or based in Southeast Asia. Don Mueang currently has three terminals, two of which are active, with plans to redevelop the third.

Frequently asked questions