Flight Operations to Thailand - Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand embraces both the ultramodern and the traditional. With Cambodia and Laos bordering the country to the east and northeast, Myanmar to the northwest and Malaysia to the south, it boasts generous coastlines on the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. A popular tourist destination, Thailand is renowned for its tropical beaches, rich night life, and ornate Buddhist temples. The capital, Bangkok, with its futuristic city scape and opulent palaces, is also a major Asia Pacific transit hub offering excellent international connectivity. APAC is the largest market for passenger flows to and from Thailand, followed by Europe and the Middle East.
Thailand boasts a total of 39 airports that offer commercial services, out of which 10 are designated as international airports. The management of 29 airports is overseen by the Department of Airports (DOA), while Airports of Thailand (AOT) handles 6 airports, Bangkok Airways (BA) oversees 3 airports, and the Royal Thai Navy (RTNV) manages 1 airport. The AOT-managed six major international airports serve as the primary entry points for international travelers visiting Thailand, whereas smaller commercial airports may be operated by the DOA or individual airlines. In addition to these, Thailand also possesses military and private airports that fulfill diverse purposes such as facilitating military operations, accommodating private aircraft, and supporting general aviation activities. Here’s what operators need to know about flight operations to Thailand.
Also known unofficially as Bangkok International Airport, Suvarnabhumi is the main international gateway to Bangkok, located 30 kilometers from the city center.
Visit the official Suvarnabhumi Airport website here.Operators’ note: VTBS is not a designated airport for GA/BA flight in Bangkok due to congestion in VTBS. CAAT usually does not allow GA/BA flights to operate if pax did not have transferring from/to commercial flights to land in VTBS. For more information, click here.
Considered Asia’s oldest operating airport, located approximately 30 kilometers from Downtown Bangkok.
Visit the official Don Mueang International Airport website here.
An international airport in southern Thailand located in Songkhla Province near the city of Hat Yai.
Visit the official Hat Yai International Airport website here.
Also known as Ko Samui Airport, this is a privately owned international airport on the island of Ko Samui.
For more information on Ko Samui Airport, visit the website here.
Located in the city of Chiang Rai in northern Thailand.
For support with your flight operations to Thailand, contact UASFor more information on global flight operations, visit UAS Blog
