Phuket international Airport is the country’s second busiest airport, this may come as a shock to some, but last year it handled almost 9.5 million flights in and out of Phuket. Phuket International Airport (HKT) is Thailand’s portal to paradise.
Phuket International Airport does not only service Phuket and its resorts and towns, it serves as a jumping off place for a few other provinces in the area, Including Phang Nga and Krabi. Krabi has its own airport, but it is does service anywhere near the amount of traffic that Phuket International does.
Khao Lak which is part of the Phang Nga province is a major benefactor of this surprisingly busy airport in the south of Thailand. Phuket International Airport welcomes huge numbers of passengers from a large number of countries from across Asia, Australia and Europe. The airport plays a significant part in tourism and promoting travel, and not just in the south of the country, but throughout the whole region.
Easy Day Phuket Airport Transfers
| Phuket Airport Transfer prices | Prices in Thai Baht | |
|---|---|---|
| One way - Mini Van for 1 - 8 people with luggage | 1,500 | Enquire / Book |
| Return - Mini Van for 1 - 8 people with luggage | 2,900 | Enquire / Book |
The airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 is used for international flights and Terminal 2 for domestic flights. The airport has a capacity of handling 24 flight operations per hour. It operates 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
The director at Phuket International Airport expects arrivals to exceed 10.5 million in the next year and profits to exceed Two Billion Thai baht (0ver 60 million US). After the airport refurbishments, which are currently underway and have been for the past couple of years which are expected to be completed by 2015.
The airport security has been tightened up significantly to comply with international standards, with twice as many security personnel and X-ray machines now in operation. It has never been better to fly from or to Phuket International Airport.
Immigration is nowhere near as stretched as it is in Bangkok and it only takes a few minutes to clear. As opposed to Bangkok’s 40 minute wait just to get your passport stamped. But this does not mean they are less stringent. Customs officers here, only last week arrested a Vietnamese man dressed as a monk for attempting to smuggle over 2kg of drugs into the province. He won’t be going anywhere soon, that’s for sure.
Flying into Phuket International Airport in the day time is an unforgettable experience; the views are of the entire region, particularly on a clear day are amazing. You can see the whole of Phang Nga bay and all its islands. And if you look closely, you can see the island of Koh Panyee, and if your eyes are really good, maybe even the famous James Bond Island too.
Phang Nga Bay has to be the most spectacular approach to an airport in South East Asia. There are literally hundreds of small limestone islands jutting out into the emerald green sea.
On final approach your plane may take the Andaman Sea route, as the landing strip is bang on the beach, you can almost touch the palm trees as you fly over Mai Khao beach to the left and Nai Yang Beach to the right.
You know you have arrived in paradise when you see the plethora of colours the sapphire blues from the Andaman Sea the different shades of green form the tropical forests and palm trees swaying in the breeze.
Once customs has been cleared, there is an array of transport waiting to take you to your holiday accommodation.
The airport has a Limousine service, and is not too expensive either. But do not expect a stretched limo; you get a relatively new car with your own personal driver. You must agree the price before getting into the vehicle.
There is also a taxi rank to the right of the exit doors. Here there is a set price to all the different beach resorts along the coast. These Taxis have meters and you pay whatever the meter says at the end of the trip, plus any extras.
There is a Phuket Bus service running now, this will take much longer to reach your final destination, so it may be worth spending that little bit more on a private car or Taxi. You could always rent a car from the airport, the rates generally start at around 1000 baht a day and have full insurance, but make sure first.
Phuket airport is very well organized and welcoming, especially to the first time traveler to these beautiful shores. Phuket international Airport is the gateway to your next exciting adventure whether that be Patong, Kata or Rawai.
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