Big, bigger, biggest: Bangkok as an aviation hub

The most famous airport in Thailand is without a doubt Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok. This international airport is one of the busiest in Asia, handling over 60 million passengers annually. Suvarnabhumi was opened in 2006 to relieve the pressure from the older Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) to be taken away. However, Don Mueang is still very much alive and serves over 40 million travellers annually, mainly via low-cost carriers such as AirAsia and Nok Air.

Interesting fact: Don Mueang used to be a military air base and was even the busiest airport in the world for a while in 2004 when almost 80 airlines used the airport.

The North: Gateway to the Mountains

The northern region, loved for its natural beauty and traditional culture, is served by airports such as Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) en Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI). Chiang Mai handles nearly 12 million passengers a year, many of whom come to visit the famous Night Bazaar and the nearby mountains. Chiang Rai, smaller but also internationally active, is especially popular with travellers who want to discover the authentic north.

Also smaller airports such as Mae Hong Son (HGN), Lampang (LPT) en Phrae (PRH) play a vital role. These airports open up remote areas that are difficult to reach by land and stimulate the local economy and tourism.

Isaan: The surprising role of regional airports

In the less touristy northeast, better known as Isaan, there is a network of airports that are of great economic importance. Udon Thani International Airport (UTH), for example, handles around 3 million passengers annually and plays a prominent role in connecting Thailand with Laos via nearby border crossings. Other airports such as Khon Kaen (KKC) en Ubon Ratchathani (UBP) are economic engines for the agricultural and industrial areas surrounding them.

Fun fact: Many Isaan airports were originally built as military bases during the Vietnam War and later converted into commercial airports.

Southern Thailand: Tourist hotspots connected by air bridges

The south of Thailand is rich in world famous holiday destinations such as Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui. It is therefore not surprising that airports such as Phuket International Airport (HKT), Krabi International Airport (KBV) en Samui International Airport (USM) are among the busiest regional airports in Southeast Asia. Phuket handles more than 18 million passengers annually, making it the second busiest airport in the country after Bangkok.

Interestingly, Samui Airport, owned by Bangkok Airways, is considered one of the most beautiful airports in the world due to its unique open architecture and tropical gardens where passengers enter immediately after landing.

New Betong Airport: Hope in the Deep South

One of the newest additions to Thailand's aviation network is Betong International Airport (BTZ), set to open in 2022. Located in the deep south near the Malaysian border, the airport aims to revitalize the economically isolated region by attracting tourism and trade. In doing so, Thailand is demonstrating that airports are not just economic gateways, but also social bridges in remote regions.

Environmental dilemma and the future

Despite all the advantages, the extensive airport network also brings challenges. Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airport in particular regularly struggle with capacity problems and environmental concerns such as noise and air pollution. Making airports more sustainable is therefore high on the Thai agenda, with electric ground equipment and better public transport connections being important pillars.

Facts at a glance:

• Thailand currently has over 35 commercial civil airports.
• Suvarnabhumi Airport has the tallest control tower in the world (132,2 meters).
• Koh Samui Airport is completely privately owned and unique in its eco-friendly design.
• Many regional airports in Isaan are former military airfields from the Vietnam War.
• Thailand receives over 40 million tourists annually, of which more than 80% arrive by air.

The invisible power of airports

Airports are much more than just runways. They are an economic lifeline, drive local development and connect Thailand to the rest of the world. Next time you visit, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate this hidden power behind your travel experience. After all, without them, the magical Thailand we know today would be very different.

Airports in Thailand by region

Thailand has an extensive network of civil airports that facilitate both international and domestic flights. Below is a current list of these airports, sorted by region:

Central Region:

• Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): Thailand's largest international airport, located in Bangkok.
• Don Mueang International Airport (DMK): A major airport in Bangkok for both domestic and international flights.
• U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport (UTP): Located near Pattaya and Rayong, it serves both domestic and international destinations.
• Hua Hin Airport (HHQ): A smaller airport that mainly offers domestic flights to popular tourist destinations.

Northern Region:

• Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): A major airport in Northern Thailand with both domestic and international flights.
• Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI): Serves Chiang Rai province with various domestic and international connections.
• Lampang Airport (LPT): A regional airport that mainly serves domestic flights.
• Mae Hong Son Airport (HGN): Facilitates domestic flights to Mae Hong Son province.
• Nan Nakhon Airport (NNT): Located in Nan province, offers domestic flights.
• Phrae Airport (PRH): A smaller airport serving domestic flights to Phrae Province.
• Sukhothai Airport (THS): Serves the historic city of Sukhothai with domestic flights.
• Mae Sot Airport (MAQ): Located in Tak province, it facilitates domestic flights.
• Phitsanulok Airport (PHS): A regional airport offering domestic flights to Phitsanulok Province.

Northeastern Region (Isaan):

• Udon Thani International Airport (UTH): A major airport in Udon Thani province with both domestic and international flights.
• Khon Kaen Airport (KKC): Serves Khon Kaen province with several domestic connections.
• Nakhon Ratchasima Airport (NAK): A regional airport offering domestic flights to Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
• Sakon Nakhon Airport (SNO): Facilitates domestic flights to Sakon Nakhon Province.
• Roi Et Airport (ROI): Located in Roi Et province, offers domestic flights.
• Buriram Airport (BFV): Serves Buriram province with domestic flights.
• Nakhon Phanom Airport (KOP): A regional airport serving domestic flights to Nakhon Phanom Province.
• Ubon Ratchathani International Airport (UBP): A major airport in Ubon Ratchathani province with both domestic and international flights.
• Loei Airport (LOE): Located in Loei province, offers domestic flights.

Southern Region:

• Phuket International Airport (HKT): One of Thailand's busiest airports, located on Phuket Island, with both domestic and international flights.
• Krabi International Airport (KBV): Serves Krabi province with various domestic and international connections.
• Hat Yai International Airport (HDY): A major airport in southern Thailand, located in Songkhla Province, with both domestic and international flights.
• Samui International Airport (USM): Located on the island of Koh Samui, it facilitates both domestic and international flights.
• Surat Thani International Airport (URT): Serves Surat Thani province and surrounding islands with domestic and some international flights.
• Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST): A regional airport offering domestic flights to Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.
• Trang Airport (TST): Located in Trang province, offers domestic flights.
• Narathiwat Airport (NAW): Facilitates domestic flights to Narathiwat province.
• Chumphon Airport (CJM): A smaller airport serving domestic flights to Chumphon province.
• Ranong Airport (UNN): Serves Ranong province with domestic flights.
• Betong International Airport (BTZ): A recently opened airport in Yala province, aimed at boosting tourism and trade in the Deep South.
• Pattani Airport (PAN): A smaller airport offering domestic flights to Pattani province.
• Trat Airport (TDX): Located in Trat province, it offers domestic flights to popular island destinations.
• Tak Airport (TKT): A regional airport serving domestic flights to Tak province.
• Phetchabun Airport (PHY): Located in Phetchabun province, offers domestic flights.

This list is based on the most recent information available.