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The Suvarnabhumi Airport Thailand (BKK)
The official IATA location identifier of Suvarnabhumi Airport is BKK. But, most inbound tourists call it Bangkok International Airport.
This section contains historical information about Bangkok's regional hub for aviation and cargo. It is also one of the biggest international airports in Southeast Asia.
Why Call Bangkok Airport "Suvarnabhumi"?
In Sanskrit, the name Suvarnabhumi means 'land of gold', which was chosen by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The airport has also been chosen to serve as the main hub for:
- Thai Airways International (trading as THAI)
- Thai Smile Airline (subsidiary of THAI)
- Bangkok Airways (Asia's Boutique Airline)
- Operating base for Thai VietJet Air, Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X
In fact, the airport was previously called Nong Nguhao (which translates to Cobra Swamp). It's located about thirty (30) kilometres to the east of downtown Bangkok.
Today, it serves as a regional gateway and an important connecting point for several foreign carriers that link with other parts of Asia, Oceania, and Europe. Locally, the Cargo Air Freight Hub connects with several major road links, such as Motorway 7 to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
History of Suvarnabhumi Airport
Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok occupies around 22,000 rai of land (35 square kilometres) in Samut Prakan Province.
Without doubt, Suvarnabhumi is the biggest of all airports in Thailand, and said to be the third largest in the world.
Here's the thing:
It first opened for commercial services on the 28th of September in 2006. The novel design, and its advanced technology systems, results in a range of excellent services for passengers.
The terminal building has seven (7) storeys and the arrival hall (in the basement) has two. The departure hall is located on the fourth (4) floor.
The third floor (level 3) is the busiest part for passengers because it contains the checkpoints, waiting areas, shops, and meeting points.
Accommodating International and Domestic Passengers
One of the most active years for Suvarnabhumi Airport was 2017. It accommodated 49.5 million international passengers and 11.3 million domestic passengers. At the time of writing, the maximum flight capacity is 76 per hour.
Most of the international passengers that pass through the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport are from:
- China
- India
- Japan
- Malaysia
- South Korea
The 'Pride of Thailand' continues to be a leading airport and international gateway for the ASEAN region.
Note: According to Thailand Daily News, Airports of Thailand (AoT) implemented a large area of solar panels to the rooftop of the passenger terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok Address
No. 999, Moo 1, NongPrue Sub-district, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province 10543
Runways: Two (2)
Apron: 887,833 square metres
Aircraft Parking Bays: 120
Contact Gates: 51
Remote Parkings: 69
Passenger Terminal
A single terminal serves domestic and international flights and passengers. The seven (7) concourses occupy around 563,000 square metres.
Contact (24-hour service)
Tel: 02-132-1888
Fax: 02-132-1889
Call Center: 02-572-8442
Help Guides and Information
- Ranong Airport Information Guide
- International Airports in Thailand
- Rainy Season in Thailand
- What Does Soi Mean in Thailand?
- สนามบินในประเทศไทย
Pro Tip: The short video [13:37 seconds] presented by "Aerowanderer" contains exciting footage of some plane spotting during the morning rush at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.