Owais Crawford
Thailand has 39 commercial airports, 10 of which are international airports. The six major international airports are located in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Krabi, Phuket, and Ko Samui. The majority of travelers fly into Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), the biggest airport in Bangkok and one of the biggest in Southeast Asia. It is also the main hub for Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways. Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the fourth busiest airport in Thailand and the biggest gateway to Northern Thailand. Phuket International Airport is another popular airport in Thailand, although it is more expensive than Bangkok.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of airports | 39 commercial service airports, 10 of which are international airports |
| Airports managed by DOA | 29 |
| Airports managed by AOT | 7 |
| Airports managed by BA | 3 |
| Airports managed by RTNV | 1 |
| Top airports based on size | Bangkok, Phuket |
| Cheapest months to fly | April, May, June, September, February |
| Busiest airport | Suvarnabhumi Airport |
| Second busiest airport | Chiang Mai International Airport |
| Airport with the most convenient location | Chiang Mai International Airport |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Suvarnabhumi Airport is considered one of the best airports in Thailand and is the biggest airport in Bangkok. It handles a majority of long-haul international flights in addition to a high volume of domestic flights. The airport is the main hub for Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways, as well as the operating base for Thai VietJet Air and Thai AirAsia. It also serves as a regional gateway and connecting point for various foreign carriers connecting to Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa.
The airport had the world's tallest free-standing control tower (132.2 metres or 434 feet) from 2006 to 2014 and the world's fourth-largest single-building airport terminal (563,000 square metres or 6,060,000 square feet). It is a popular site for taking Instagram photographs. Suvarnabhumi Airport is well-connected to the city of Bangkok by public bus and shuttle bus services.
Since Bangkok is a major worldwide hub, there are more flights and extensive routes to and from destinations worldwide. Stopping in Bangkok first is a good idea to save some money, and also experience the big city buzz.
Princeton Airport: Commercial Flights Availability and Accessibility
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
The airport has a full range of facilities for its visitors, including travel agent offices, customer service desks for several airlines, exchange bureaus, ATMs, and food outlets. There are also car rental services available on the first floor of the airport.
Chiang Mai is a popular tourist destination known for its impressive history, Buddhist temples, night markets, and mountainous region. The airport handles a multitude of domestic flights, along with international arrivals from other Southeast Asian cities and China.
Several major airlines offer one-stop flights to Chiang Mai International Airport from cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto, and Vancouver. The average round-trip ticket costs between $800 and $1,500, depending on the season and booking time. The cheapest months to fly are generally April, May, and September, avoiding peak tourist seasons.
Airports' Strategies to Combat Disease Outbreaks
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Phuket International Airport
The airport underwent a significant expansion and renovation project, completed in 2016, to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic. The expansion increased the airport's capacity to handle 12.5 million passengers annually, enhancing its overall capacity from 6.5 million to 20 million passengers per year. Phuket International Airport serves both domestic and international travellers, with over 16 million passengers flying via the airport each year.
Several transport options are available for travellers arriving at Phuket International Airport. The airport offers various car rental services, allowing passengers to conveniently travel to their destinations while maintaining privacy. These car rental counters can be found on the first floor of the airport, and bookings can be made in advance through the Sawasdee by AOT Application. Additionally, the airport provides an airport shuttle service for those travelling to and from the airport.
For those who prefer public transportation, the Smart Bus service is available at the Domestic Terminal, close to the arrival exit. This bus service caters to tourists visiting the famous Phuket beaches. The bus route covers multiple destinations, including Kamala Beach, Patong Beach, Karon Beach, and Kata Beach. The airport bus is another option, with buses departing every hour and covering stops throughout the city. The schedule and stops for the airport bus are clearly outlined, making it a suitable choice for travellers with some time to spare and minimal luggage.
Airport Shuttle Access at Riu Vallarta: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Krabi Airport
Krabi International Airport (KBV/VTSG) is located in Nuea Khlong subdistrict, Nuea Khlong district, Krabi province, in southern Thailand. It is about 7 kilometres (4 miles) east of downtown Krabi. The airport first opened in 1999 and has since undergone several expansion projects to accommodate its growing number of passengers. In 2017, the airport handled over 4.3 million passengers, exceeding its designed capacity of 3 million. The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) notified the airport of a planned power shutdown for maintenance two days in advance, but the backup generators failed to work, resulting in a six-hour power outage. To address this issue, the airport director stated that management would rent generators in the future to prevent similar incidents.
Krabi International Airport received 2.3 million passengers in 2023, making it the sixth busiest airport in Thailand. It offers both international and domestic flights, providing access to different regions within the country. The airport is well-connected, making travel within Thailand hassle-free for commuters.
While Krabi Airport serves its basic purpose, those seeking a wider range of facilities and shopping options may prefer larger airports in Thailand, such as Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) in Bangkok or Phuket International Airport. These airports handle a higher volume of international and domestic flights, providing more frequent travel options. However, for those travelling to southern Thailand, Krabi International Airport can be a convenient choice.
Exploring Atlantis: Airport Shuttle Services and Accessibility
You may want to see also
Ko Samui Airport
The airport was constructed by Bangkok Airways and opened in April 1989. Bangkok Airways continues to own and operate the airport, offering scheduled flights to destinations such as Hong Kong and Singapore. Additionally, the airline has plans to introduce direct flights to Dubai, Shanghai, Bali, and Kuala Lumpur.
Denver Airport's Runway System: An Expansive Aviation Hub
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok is the main international airport in Thailand. It is one of the biggest airports in Southeast Asia and is a regional aviation hub. It is also the cheapest airport to fly into.
There are six major international airports in Thailand, including Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. The other five are in Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Krabi, Phuket, and Ko Samui.
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the fourth busiest airport in Thailand and is nestled in the mountainous region of the country. It is only a ten-minute taxi or shuttle ride from the city centre.
