Thailand's Airports: Your Ultimate Guide

what is the airport in thailand

Thailand is a popular tourist destination, known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and diverse attractions. The country offers a range of airports catering to both international and domestic flights, making it easily accessible to travellers from around the world. With 38-39 commercial airports, Thailand provides a well-connected network for visitors, including major gateways such as Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, which is the largest and busiest airport in the country. Phuket International Airport, known for its aesthetic appeal, is another notable gateway, offering convenient access to the beaches of Phuket. Thailand's airports are managed by various entities, including the Department of Airports (DOA), Airports of Thailand (AOT), Bangkok Airways, and the Royal Thai Navy, ensuring efficient operations and contributing to the country's thriving tourism industry.

Characteristics Values
Number of commercial service airports 38-39
Number of international airports 6-10
Number of airports managed by the Department of Airports (DOA) 28-29
Number of airports managed by Airports of Thailand (AOT) 6-7
Number of airports managed by Bangkok Airways (BA) 3
Number of airports managed by the Royal Thai Navy (RTNV) 1
Main international airport Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Former primary airport Don Mueang Airport (DMK)
Third busiest airport Phuket Airport
Fourth busiest airport Chiang Mai International Airport
Airlines Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, IndiGo
Visa requirements Indian citizens can obtain an eVisa or a visa on arrival

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Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok

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

Suvarnabhumi Airport is a major hub for aviation and cargo, with 95 airlines serving the airport. It is also a regional gateway and connecting point for various foreign carriers connecting to Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa. 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 is also served by IndiGo and other airlines.

The airport has two runways, with a third one under construction. The terminal building is H-shaped and features numerous traditional Thai design elements, making it a landmark of the city. It has 360 check-in counters and over 100 gates, including 51 fixed gates. The airport was designed with an annual capacity of around 45 million passengers in mind, but this has been exceeded several times. Suvarnabhumi Airport has been criticised for long waiting times at immigration.

Suvarnabhumi Airport offers a wide range of facilities and services for passengers, including business-class lounges, luxury hotels, ATMs, currency exchange centres, and rest zones. It also has various transport connections, including shuttle buses and public buses, and road links to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) on Motorway 7.

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Phuket International Airport

The airport has undergone expansion and renovation to accommodate growing passenger numbers, with a new international terminal increasing its capacity to 12.5 million passengers annually. Overall, the airport can now handle 20 million passengers per year, with 63 aircraft movements per hour across two runways, and a third runway under construction.

For those not wishing to drive, there is an airport bus service with stops throughout the city, leaving every hour. The Smart Bus service is also available at the Domestic Terminal, catering to those wishing to visit the beaches.

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Thailand's busiest airports

Thailand has 38 commercial airports, six of which are international and are managed by Airports of Thailand PLC (AOT). The remaining 28 regional domestic airports are managed by Thailand's Department of Airports (DOA). Additionally, three airports are managed by Bangkok Airways, three by the Royal Thai Navy, and one by an unknown operator.

The busiest airports in Thailand are measured according to data posted by AOT and DOA, which includes the number of departures, arrivals, and connecting passengers for both domestic and international flights.

Suvarnabhumi Airport, also known as Bangkok Airport, is the busiest, largest, and most important airport in Thailand. It is also one of the largest airports in Asia. It serves as the main hub for international and domestic flights, with 98 airlines operating and serving flights to and from 121 destinations. The airport has two runways, with a third one under construction. It features a large H-shaped terminal building with 360 check-in counters and over 100 gates. The modern design incorporates traditional Thai elements, making it a landmark of the city. Suvarnabhumi Airport is equipped with various facilities, including business-class lounges, luxury hotels, ATMs, currency exchange centres, and rest zones.

Phuket International Airport is the second busiest airport in Thailand, serving the Phuket region of Bangkok. It is located about 30 kilometres from Phuket City and features three terminals, including a separate one for international and domestic flights. The airport has a capacity of approximately 20 million passengers per year and offers easy transportation options, such as taxis and buses. Phuket International Airport stands out for its aesthetic appeal, contributing to the country's tourism industry.

Other busy airports in Thailand include Chiang Mai International Airport, which is the fourth busiest, and Don Mueang Airport, which was the previous primary airport before Suvarnabhumi Airport took over that role.

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Thailand's domestic airports

Thailand has 38 or 39 commercial airports, including 10 international airports. The country's airports are operated by several entities, including the Department of Airports (DOA), which manages 28 or 29 regional domestic airports, and Airports of Thailand (AOT), which manages six major international airports.

The Suvarnabhumi International Airport, also known as Bangkok Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in Thailand and one of the largest in Asia. It serves as the main hub for international and domestic flights, offering a range of facilities and services for passengers. Phuket International Airport, ranked as one of the busiest airports in the world, is another significant airport in Thailand, known for its aesthetic appeal. It is located about 30 km from Phuket City and offers convenient transport options.

Other notable domestic airports in Thailand include Don Mueang Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, and U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport, which is a civil and military airport located in Rayong province. Chiang Mai International Airport is the fourth busiest airport in the country, offering easy access to the north of Thailand. Surat Thani Airport is also worth mentioning, as it provides a convenient alternative to the lengthy bus ride from Bangkok to the islands in the Gulf of Thailand.

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Thailand's international airports

Thailand has 38 or 39 commercial airports, 10 of which are international airports. Airports of Thailand PLC (AOT) manages six of the international airports, while the Royal Thai Navy manages one, and Bangkok Airways manages three.

The Suvarnabhumi International Airport, also known as the Bangkok airport, is the most important airport in Thailand and the busiest and largest airport in the country. It is one of the largest airports in Asia and has been categorized as one of the top 100 airports in the world. It has two runways, with a third proposed for construction. The airport has a large H-shaped terminal building with 360 check-in counters and over 100 gates. It offers a wide range of facilities, including business-class lounges, luxury hotels, ATMs, currency exchange centres, and rest zones.

The Phuket International Airport is ranked as one of the busiest airports in the world and mainly serves the Phuket region of Bangkok. It is located about 30 km away from Phuket City and has three terminals, with a separate terminal for international and domestic flights. Renovations have increased the airport's capacity to 20 million passengers annually. Phuket airport is very convenient for international travelers who want to avoid the congestion of Bangkok, although flights to Phuket tend to be more expensive.

The Chiang Mai International Airport is the fourth busiest airport in Thailand and offers a convenient gateway to the north of the country. The airport is located a few kilometers north of the city center, and it takes around 15 minutes to get from the airport to the old town.

Other international airports in Thailand include the U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport, Samui Airport, Sukhothai Airport, and Trat Airport.

Frequently asked questions

Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is the busiest airport in Thailand, and is also the largest and most important international airport in the country. It is followed by Phuket International Airport, which is ranked as one of the busiest airports in the world. Chiang Mai International Airport is the fourth busiest airport in the country.

There are 38 or 39 commercial airports in Thailand, 10 of which are international airports.

Thai Airways is the national airline of Thailand and the leading provider. Bangkok Airways is another major airline that serves tourist destinations within Thailand. IndiGo is an Indian airline that provides flights to Thailand from major Indian airports.

Thailand is a popular tourist destination known for its diverse and vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and range of attractions. It offers everything from opulent Buddhist monasteries to breathtaking beaches.

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