Airports in Thailand

Thailand is an Asian country famous for its tropical beaches and resorts, exotic food, temples and martial arts. If flying to Thailand, it is good to know there are 6 major international airports and many smaller commercial airports. In this guide, we will present you most airports in Thailand, including all international airports. At the end of the post, you will also find a map of all airports in Thailand for easier navigation.

Larger airports

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – IATA code BKK 

~ 65 million passengers

Unofficially known as Bangkok Airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport is one of two international airports serving the capital of Thailand. Covering an area of 32.4 square kilometres, Suvarnabhumi Airport is also one of the largest airports in Southeast Asia. The busiest international routes include Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul-Incheon and Dubai but it also has many routes connecting Thailand with Europe. The airport is a hub for Bangkok Airways, Jet Asia Airways, Thai Airways, Thai Smile and Thai Vietjet Air. When it comes to ground transportation, the airport has Airport Rail Link (ARL), suburban commuter train (SRT) and airport shuttle bus. There is also a free bus service connecting Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport for those who need to transfer between airports. In December 2015, the airport introduced Sky Lane, a cycling track where cyclists can bike for free. The lane is open from 06:00 to 18:00.

Don Mueang Airport – IATA code DMK 

~41 million passengers

The second busiest airport in Bangkok and Thailand is Don Mueang International Airport. Before Suvarnabhumi opened in 2006, Don Mueang was referred to as Bangkok Airport. In fact, Don Mueang is considered to be one of the oldest airports in the world. It was opened in 1914, however, the first commercial flight started operation in 1924. Since the opening of the new airport, Don Mueang has become a low-cost airline hub. Thus, the airport is a hub for Nok Air, NokScoot, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia X and Thai Lion Air. As previously mentioned, Don Mueang Airport has organised transportation to and from Suvarnabhumi Airport. The usual travel time is around 1-1.5 hours. Besides that, the airport also has four bus routes which operate between Don Mueang and the nearest Mochit Station, Victory Monument, Lumphini Park and Sanam Lung. The airport has a rail link with the Bang Sue Grand Station.

Phuket Airport – IATA code HKT 

~19 million passengers

Among the top busiest airports in Thailand is also Phuket International Airport which serves Phuket Island, a popular tourist destination and the country’s largest island. The airport is located in the northern part of Phuket Island and currently has two terminals. Terminal 2 operates all international flights whereas Terminal 3 handles domestic flights. The busiest international routes include Singapore, Shanghai-Pudong, Hong Kong and Beijing-Capital. Phuket Airport is a hub for three major airlines, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia and Thai Airways. Passengers can easily reach the city by using the airport bus service, as well as some other places on the island. Taxis and private transfers are also at your disposal. Some of the destinations covered by public transport on Phuket Island are Surin Beach and Rawai Beach.

Chiang Mai Airport – IATA code CNX 

~11 million passengers

Chiang Mai International Airport serves Chiang Mai, the largest city in northern Thailand. With around 11 million passengers per year, the airport is among the top 5 busiest airports in the country being the main gateway to northern Thailand. The airport consists of two terminals, one for international and the other for domestic flights. Over 30 airlines are operating the airport which serves as a hub for Bangkok Airways, Nok Air and Thai AirAsia. The airport primarily offers flights to the rest of Asia. Chiang Mai Airport is located near the city centre of Chiang Mai. Therefore, getting to the city is easy by airport shuttle, taxi service or a private transfer. An airport is also a convenient option if trying to get to some other destinations such as national parks Doi Inthanon, Doi Khun Tan or Op Luang.

Hat Yai Airport – IATA code HDY 

~4 million passengers

Hat Yai International Airport is an airport serving Hat Yai, a city in southern Thailand. After the expansion, the airport can handle more than 4 million passengers and additional expansion is planned for 2030 when the capacity will increase to 10 million passengers. The airport serves as a hub for Thai AirAsia and generally offers flights to Asian destinations. Regarding ground transportation, the airport is located about 15 km from Hat Yai downtown. Therefore, passengers can easily reach the city by public minibus service, taxis or private transfers. Hat Yai Airport is a convenient option if flying to several other destinations such as Pak Bara Pier to get to Koh Lipe island, Songkhla and Padang Besar (Malaysia).

Krabi Airport – IATA code KBV 

~3 million passengers

Krabi International Airport is an airport serving Krabi, a province in southern Thailand. The airport is located in Nuea Khlong district. Krabi Airport currently handles more than 3 million passengers which is above the limit, so further expansions are being planned in the future. It consists of two terminals, providing flights to destinations in Asia and Europe. The airport also serves as a hub for Thai AirAsia. The distance between the airport and Krabi town centre is about 12 km which is a 20-minute ride. Passengers can reach Krabi town by bus, taxi or private transfers. There are several other destinations nearby including Koh Lanta district, Ao Nang and its beaches. An airport is also a convenient option if travelling to the islands Phi Phi and Koh Lipe.

Samui Airport – IATA code USM 

~2.5 million passengers

Samui International Airport or Koh Samui Airport serves Koh Samui Island. The airport is privately owned by Bangkok Airways and it is located near the city of Chaweng. Samui airport has a unique design and is often referred to as one of the most beautiful airports in the world. It handles over 2 million passengers per year and offers flights to several Asian destinations. The airport consists of two terminals, one for international and the other for domestic flights. Getting to and from the airport can be done by several means of transport including taxis and private transfers. If continuing your journey outside of Koh Samui island the airport is a good option for several destinations. From the nearby piers Banghrak, Buddha and Nathon ferries depart to islands such as Koh Pha-ngan and Koh Tao.

Udon Thani Airport – IATA code UTH 

~2.5 million passengers

Udon Thani International Airport is an airport near the city of Udon Thani, the northeastern part of Thailand. It actually serves three provinces Udon Thani, Nong Khai and Nong Bua Lamphu. The airport primarily offers domestic flights to Bangkok airports and handles more than 2 million passengers annually. Since it is located close to the border, the airport is often used as a transit point to Laos. There are several airlines operating the airport among which are Thai AirAsia and Thai Vietjet Air. The airport is located about 7 km from Udon Thani city centre. Therefore, passengers can reach the city by buses, taxi service and private transfers in less than 15 minutes. Other destinations located nearby the airport include cities Nong Khai and Vientiane (Laos).

Chiang Rai Airport – IATA code CEI 

~2.8 million passengers

Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport, as it is fully named, is an airport serving Chang Rai, a city in northern Thailand. The airport handles around 2.8 million passengers per year with undergoing plans for expansion till 2030. Chiang Rai Airport’s main connection is with Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi Airport with several other flights to destinations in China. It also serves as a hub for Thai AirAsia. The airport is located about 8 km from the city centre of Chiang Rai. Therefore, passengers can easily reach the downtown by local buses,  taxi service or private transfer. If continuing your journey outside Chiang Rai downtown, other popular destinations nearby include Mae Sai District, Anantara Golden Triangle resort and White Temple Wat Rong Khun.

Surat Thani Airport – IATA code URT 

~1.5 million passengers

Surat Thani International Airport is an airport located in Surat Thani province, near the city of Surat Thani. The owner of the airport is the Royal Thai Air Force. The airport usually handles up to 2 million passengers per year which makes it the 10th busiest airport in Thailand. It mainly serves as a connection to Bangkok Airport and offers flights to destinations such as Kuala Lumpur and Russia (seasonal). The airport is located about 21 km from Surat Thani city centre. To reach the city, passengers can choose between a shuttle bus, taxi service and private transfer. If trying to reach the islands Koh Phangan, Koh Tao or Koh Samui, then the closest ferry port is Donsak Pier, about 100 km from the airport. Other nearby destinations include the National park Khao Sok.

U-Tapao Airport – IATA code UTP 

~1.8 million passengers

U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport, as it is fully named, is an airport serving the cities of Pattaya and Rayong. The airport is both a civil and military public airport that handles nearly 2 million passengers per year. It offers both scheduled and seasonal flights to destinations such as Russia, Vietnam and Kuala Lumpur. It also serves as a hub for Nok Air and Thai AirAsia. The airport is located about 50 km from Pattaya and about 40 km from Rayong. Both cities can be reached by either a taxi service or a private transfer. Also, the airport is located about a 2-hour ride from Bangkok. Among other popular destinations nearby is Jomtien beach which is only about 30 km from the airport, close to Pattaya.

Ubon Ratchathani Airport – IATA code UBP 

~1.7 million passengers

Ubon Ratchathani Airport is an airport located in Ubon Ratchathani, the capital district of the province of the same name. The airport primarily serves as a connection to Bangkok Airports but also as a Royal Thai Air Force base. Each year, the airport handles more than 1.5 million passengers. The airport is located only about 4 km from Ubon Ratchathani downtown. Passengers can choose between taxi service and private transfers to reach the city. Ubon Ratchathani Airport is also a convenient option if travelling to other nearby destinations such as Si Sa Ket, Mukdahan and Pakse (Laos).

Khon Kaen Airport – IATA code KKC 

~1.5 million passengers

Khon Kaen Airport is an airport serving the city of Khon Kaen. The airport handles more than a million passengers annually serving flights to Bangkok as a primary destination. Due to the annual growth in the number of passengers, the airport is planning to expand the terminal until 2021. The airport is located only about 8 km from Khon Kaen downtown and passengers can reach it by shuttle bus, taxi or a private transfer. Due to its distance, Khon Kaen Airport can be used as an alternative airport for reaching Udon Thani. Other nearby destinations include Kalasin.

Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport – IATA code NST 

~1.2 million passengers

Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport is an airport serving Nakhon Si Thammarat, a city in southern Thailand. The airport handles more than a million passengers per year and serves primarily as a transit airport to Bangkok. The airlines operating the airport are Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air and Thai Vietjet Air. The airport is located about 12 km from Nakhon Si Thammarat downtown. Passengers can reach the city by taxi or a private transfer. To reach the islands, Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, the closest ferry port is Donsak Pier, about 100 km from the airport. Other nearby destinations include Khanom District.

Airports with less than 1 000 000 passengers

Trang Airport – IATA code – TST

• Passengers: 565 000
• Airline(s): Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air
• Nearby city(s): Tambon Khok Lo, Trang

Phitsanulok Airport – IATA code – PHS

• Passengers: 571 000
• Airline(s): Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air
• Nearby city(s): Phitsanulok

Nakhon Phanom Airport – IATA code – KOP

• Passengers: 309 000
• Airline(s): Nok Air, Thai AirAsia
• Nearby city(s): Nakhon Phanom, Nai Mueang, Nong Saeng

Roi Et Airport – IATA code – ROI

• Passengers: 317 000
• Airline(s): Thai AirAsia
• Nearby city(s): Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Yasothon

Nan Nakhon Airport – IATA code – NNT

• Also called: Nan Airport
• Passengers: 318 000
• Airline(s): Wisdom Airways, Thai AirAsia
• Nearby city(s): Chang Rd, Pha Sing, Mueang Nan

Sakon Nakhon Airport – IATA code – SNO

• Passengers: 320 000
• Airline(s): Nok Air, Thai AirAsia
• Nearby city(s): Sakon Nakhon Province

Buriram Airport – IATA code – BFV

• Also called: Buri Ram Airport
• Passengers: 293 000
• Airlines(s): Nok Air, Thai AirAsia
• Nearby city(s): Buriram, Surin

Lampang Airport – IATA code – LPT

• Passengers: 171 000
• Airlines(s): Bangkok Airways, Nok Air
• Nearby city(s): Nakhon Lampang

Loei Airport – IATA code – LOE

• Passengers: 212 000
• Airlines(s): Nok Air, Thai AirAsia
• Nearby city(s): Loei, Vang Noa, Xanamkhan

Narathiwat Airport – IATA code – NAW

• Passengers: 194 000
• Airlines(s): Thai AirAsia, Thai Smile, Thai Airways
• Nearby city(s): Narathiwat

Ranong Airport – IATA code – UNN

• Passengers: 170 000
• Airlines(s): Nok Air, Thai AirAsia
• Nearby city(s): Ratchakrut, Ranong

Mae Sot Airport – IATA code – MAQ

• Passengers: 162 000
• Airlines(s): Nok Air
• Nearby city(s): Mae Sot, Tak

Trat Airport – IATA code – TDX

• Passengers: 162 000
• Airlines(s): Bangkok Airways
• Nearby city(s): Trat-Ko Chang

Chumphon Airport – IATA code – CJM

• Passengers: 162 000
• Airlines(s): Nok Air, Thai AirAsia
• Nearby city(s): Tambon Chum Kho,

Phrae Airport – IATA code – PRH

• Passengers: 59 000
• Airlines(s): Nok Air
• Nearby city(s): Phrae

Sukhothai Airport – IATA code – THS

• Passengers: 57 000
• Airlines(s): Bangkok Airways
• Nearby city(s): Klong Krachong, Sukhothai

Mae Hong Son Airport – IATA code – HGN

• Passengers: 43 000
• Airlines(s): Bangkok Airways, Nok Air
• Nearby city(s): Mae Hong Son

Hua Hin Airport – IATA code – HHQ

• Passengers: 77 000
• Airlines(s): AirAsia, Berjaya Air
• Nearby city(s): Hua Hin

Nakhon Ratchasima Airport – IATA code – NAK

• Passengers: 77 000
• Airlines(s): N/A
• Nearby city(s): Amphoe Chaloem Phra Kiat, Nakhon Ratchasima

Pai Airport – IATA code – PYY

• Passengers: 1000
• Airlines(s): N/A
• Nearby city(s):

Phetchabun Airport – IATA code –  PHY

• Passengers: 1000
• Airlines(s): Nok Air
• Nearby city(s): Phetchabun Province

Map of airports in Thailand