Bangkok Airport: A Sprawling Hub Of Aviation

Suvarnabhumi Airport, also known as Bangkok Airport, is one of two international airports serving Bangkok, Thailand. Covering an area of 3,240 ha (32.4 km2; 8,000 acres), it is one of the biggest international airports in Southeast Asia and the busiest airport in the country. The airport is located in Racha Thewa in the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan province, about 25 kilometres (16 mi) east of downtown Bangkok.

Suvarnabhumi Airport's size

Suvarnabhumi Airport, also known as Bangkok Airport, is one of two international airports serving Bangkok, Thailand. Covering an area of 3,240 hectares (32.4 km2; 8,000 acres) or 20,000 Rai, it is one of the biggest international airports in Southeast Asia and a regional aviation hub. The airport is located in Racha Thewa in the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan province, about 25 kilometres (16 miles) east of downtown Bangkok.

The airport features two parallel runways, with the east runway measuring 4,000 metres in length and 60 metres in width, and the west runway measuring 3,700 metres in length and 60 metres in width. Additionally, there are two parallel taxiways to accommodate simultaneous departures and arrivals. Suvarnabhumi Airport has a total of 120 parking bays, with 51 contact gates and 69 remote gates. Five of these gates are capable of accommodating the Airbus A380 aircraft.

The terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport is impressive, with innovative architectural, structural, and environmental designs. The arrival and departure halls are fully glazed, while the arched concourses combine glass and translucent membranes to form a macrostructure. The main terminal features structural elements and bays placed in a cantilevered, wavelike form, giving the impression that it is "floating" over the concourse below. The terminal building covers an area of 563,000 square metres (6,060,000 square feet), making it one of the largest single-building airport terminals in the world.

The airport also boasts a 600-room hotel operated by the Accor Group under the Novotel Suvarnabhumi brand, conveniently located above the underground rail link station and in front of the passenger terminal building. This hotel provides easy access to the airport for travellers.

Architectural design

Suvarnabhumi Airport, also known as Bangkok Airport, is one of the largest airports in Southeast Asia, covering an area of 3,240 ha (32.4 km2; 8,000 acres). The airport is located in Racha Thewa in the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan province, 30 kilometres east of Bangkok. The terminal building was designed by Helmut Jahn of Murphy/Jahn Architects and constructed primarily by ITO JV. The airport features a unique combination of innovative envelope materials and a sophisticated cooled-floor system, ensuring occupant comfort and energy efficiency.

The architectural design of Suvarnabhumi Airport is characterised by its integration of disciplines, resulting in a sophisticated and intelligent solution. The arrival and departure halls are fully glazed, while the arched concourses combine glass and translucent membranes to form a macrostructure that accommodates varying circulation patterns and uses. The overall design philosophy emphasises clarity and efficiency, with each element serving a specific function.

The airport's glazed façade and steel trusses were designed to blend seamlessly into the curved profile of the building. The use of innovative materials, such as stick system curtain walls, canopy cladding, and point-fixed glass walls, enhances the overall aesthetic and functionality. The terminal roof, designed in a cantilevered, wavelike form, shades the forty-meter-high vertical glazing from direct sunlight. This design feature is complemented by the use of fritted glass and solid panels to control solar gain and optimise ambient natural light within the space.

The architectural design of Suvarnabhumi Airport also incorporates advanced technological systems and unusual construction processes. The airport features an integrated cooling system that utilises the thermal mass of concrete and water as a low-energy carrier. Additionally, a displacement ventilation system further enhances the energy efficiency of the building. The structural elements include lightweight steel structures, exposed pre-cast concrete frames, and clear or low-E coated glass, contributing to the overall sophistication and functionality of the design.

The airport's satellite terminal, located south of the main terminal, spans around 251,400 square meters and increases the airport's annual passenger handling capacity. The SAT-1 terminal, with its unique design, was even nominated for the Prix Versailles World's Most Beautiful Airports Architectural Award for 2024.

Transport links

Suvarnabhumi Airport, also known as Bangkok Airport, is one of two international airports serving Bangkok, Thailand. The other is Don Mueang International Airport, which was the main international airport until 2006. Suvarnabhumi Airport is located in Racha Thewa in the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan province, about 25 kilometres (16 miles) from downtown Bangkok.

Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport is accessible via several transport links, including rail, road, and shuttle services.

The Airport Rail Link is a convenient and affordable way to reach the city centre, connecting the airport with the BTS (Skytrain) stop at Phaya Thai. Operating from 6 am to midnight, the journey takes around 25 minutes and costs approximately US$1.33. From Phaya Thai, passengers can connect to other parts of Bangkok via the city's public transport system or opt for a taxi or tuk- tuk.

For those seeking a more direct option, pre-booking a transfer service is available, offering a comfortable journey from the airport to your desired destination.

The airport also provides a free shuttle bus service, which transports passengers to the public transport terminal located about 3 kilometres away, where public buses depart.

Additionally, the airport has an underground rail link station, and there is a 600-room hotel operated by the Accor Group under the Novotel Suvarnabhumi brand located above it.

The airport's main terminal building was designed with innovative architectural and engineering solutions to address the challenges posed by Bangkok's high temperatures and humidity levels. The design incorporates fritted glass, solid panels, and a cantilevered louvered roof to limit solar gain while allowing natural light to fill the interior space. The use of materials like steel, concrete, glass, and membranes showcases the integration of disciplines to create a sophisticated and intelligent solution.

Hotels

Suvarnabhumi Airport, also known as Bangkok Airport, is one of two international airports serving Bangkok, Thailand. Covering an area of 3,240 ha (32.4 km2; 8,000 acres), it is one of the biggest international airports in Southeast Asia.

Bangkok Airport has a 600-room hotel operated by the Accor Group under the Novotel Suvarnabhumi brand. The hotel is located above the underground rail link station and in front of the passenger terminal building.

There are a variety of other hotels near the airport that offer accommodation options for travellers. These include:

• The Grand Sukhumvit Hotel Bangkok: This hotel is located just a short drive from the airport and offers luxurious accommodations and facilities, including a spa and outdoor pool.
• The Bangkok Marriott Hotel Queen's Park: Situated close to the airport, this hotel provides elegant rooms and suites, along with a fitness centre and multiple dining options.
• The Miracle Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel: Located just a few minutes from the airport, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a range of amenities to ensure a pleasant stay.
• The Plai Garden Boutique Guesthouse: This guesthouse is a short distance from the airport and provides a unique and intimate accommodation experience, featuring a garden and terrace for guests to enjoy.

These hotels offer convenient access to Bangkok Airport, ensuring travellers can easily reach their flights or find accommodation upon arrival. It is recommended to book in advance to secure your preferred accommodation, especially during peak travel seasons.

History

Bangkok is served by two international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport.

Suvarnabhumi Airport

Suvarnabhumi Airport (IATA: BKK, ICAO: VTBS) is Bangkok's main international airport and one of the biggest airports in Southeast Asia. It is located in Racha Thewa in the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan province, about 25-31 kilometres (16-19 miles) east of downtown Bangkok. The airport covers an area of 3,240 ha (32.4 km2; 8,000 acres) and has two parallel runways, the east runway being 4,000 m long and 60 m wide, and the west runway being 3,700 m long and 60 m wide. The airport is also a major Cargo Air Freight Hub, serving as a regional gateway and connecting point for various foreign carriers connecting to Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa.

The need for a new airport was recognised in 1973, and 8,000 acres of land (known as Cobra Swamp) was purchased 40 km (25 mi) east of Bangkok. The project was shelved in 1973 due to student-led protests that overthrew the military government of Prime Minister Thanom Kittikachorn. In 1996, the project was revived with the establishment of the Second Bangkok International Airport Company Ltd. (SBIA) as the project implementation organisation, and the signing of a loan agreement between the Thai and Japanese governments. The airport was initially scheduled to open in 2000 but was delayed due to budget overruns, construction flaws, and allegations of corruption. It was also delayed by the discovery of an old graveyard under the airport, with superstitious construction workers refusing to work due to claims of seeing ghosts. The airport finally opened for limited domestic flight service on 15 September 2006 and for most domestic and all international commercial flights on 28 September 2006.

Don Mueang International Airport

Don Mueang International Airport (IATA: DMK, ICAO: VTBD) is Bangkok's other international airport and one of the world's oldest international airports, having officially opened as a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) base in 1914. Commercial flights began in 1924, making it one of the world's oldest commercial airports. It was known as Bangkok International Airport before 2006, when Suvarnabhumi Airport took over as the city's main international airport. Don Mueang ceased international commercial flights in 2006 but was temporarily reopened in 2007 for some domestic flights while touch-up work was carried out at Suvarnabhumi. In 2012, the Thai government ordered all low-cost, chartered, and non-connecting flights to relocate to Don Mueang, ending the single-airport policy. Today, Don Mueang is the main operating base for several low-cost carriers, including Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia X, and Thai Lion Air.

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