Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, also known as Bangkok Airport, is the largest international airport in Thailand. It is located in Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, about 30 kilometers east of downtown Bangkok. The airport serves as a hub for Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Smile Airways. It is also a focus city for several other airlines, including AirAsia, Emirates, and Qatar Airways.
History of the Airport
The construction of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport began in 2002 and was completed in 2006, replacing the former Don Mueang International Airport as the main airport of Bangkok. The airport was designed by a team of German architects, led by Helmut Jahn, and is known for its unique architecture, featuring a wave-like roof structure and a glass façade. Since its opening, Bangkok Airport has undergone several expansions and renovations to keep up with the growing demand for air travel in the region.
Geographical Location of the Airport
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is located in Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, about 30 kilometers east of downtown Bangkok. The airport covers an area of 8,000 acres and is situated on a former rice field. The airport is connected to the city center by several modes of transportation, including taxis, buses, trains, and a dedicated airport rail link.
Terminal 1: Domestic Terminal
Terminal 1 at Bangkok Airport is the domestic terminal and is used by several domestic airlines, including Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and Nok Air. The terminal has a capacity of 20 million passengers per year and features a wide range of facilities, including restaurants, shops, and lounges.
Terminal 2: International Terminal
Terminal 2 at Bangkok Airport is the international terminal and is used by several international airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and AirAsia. The terminal has a capacity of 45 million passengers per year and features a wide range of facilities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges.
Terminal 3: Cargo Terminal
Terminal 3 at Bangkok Airport is the cargo terminal and is used for the handling of cargo and freight. The terminal has a capacity of 3 million tons of cargo per year and features state-of-the-art facilities, including temperature-controlled storage areas and specialized handling equipment.
Runways and Taxiways at the Airport
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport has two parallel runways that are each 4,000 meters long and 60 meters wide. The runways are capable of handling a wide range of aircraft, including the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 747. The airport also has several taxiways that connect the runways to the terminal buildings and cargo facilities.
Capacity and Passenger Traffic
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport has a total capacity of 60 million passengers per year. In 2019, the airport handled over 63 million passengers, making it the ninth busiest airport in Asia and the 20th busiest airport in the world. The airport serves as a major gateway to Southeast Asia and is an important hub for both passenger and cargo traffic.
Size of the Airport Terminal Area
The terminal area at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport covers an area of 563,000 square meters, making it one of the largest airport terminals in the world. The terminal features several levels, including arrivals, departures, and mezzanine levels, and is designed to handle a large volume of passengers and aircraft.
Future Expansion Plans
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport has several expansion plans in the works, including the construction of a third runway and the expansion of Terminal 2. The airport also has plans to build a new passenger terminal and a second cargo terminal to accommodate the growing demand for air travel in the region.
Conclusion: Bangkok Airport in Summary
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is the largest international airport in Thailand and serves as a major gateway to Southeast Asia. The airport has a unique design and features several state-of-the-art facilities, including multiple terminal buildings, cargo facilities, and runways. With several expansion plans in the works, Bangkok Airport is poised to continue its growth as a major hub for air travel in the region.
References and Further Reading
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Official Website: https://www.suvarnabhumiairport.com/
- Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited: https://www.airportthai.co.th/
- Bangkok Post:
- World Airport Codes:
