Surat Thani International Airport
Southern Thailand’s key gateway to the Gulf islands and national parks, ranking as the country’s tenth-busiest airport.
Overview of the Airport
Surat Thani International Airport (URT) is located 21 km west of Surat Thani city in Phunphin District. It serves as a vital hub for domestic travel and access to popular tourist destinations such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Khao Sok National Park. The airport also hosts Royal Thai Air Force operations.
9.13250, 99.13556
Growth Trend
Passenger traffic has rebounded with a 12% year-over-year increase following pandemic recovery.
Employment
2,100
Staff includes airline, ground handling, security, concessions, and airport authority personnel.
Global Ranking
Market Share of Major Airlines
Capacity Expansion
Ongoing upgrades will expand terminal and apron capacity to accommodate up to 3.6 million passengers annually and 11 Boeing 737s simultaneously.
Technological Advancements
Terminal expansion includes upgraded baggage handling, digital flight information, and improved security screening systems.
Sustainability Initiatives
Plans include transitioning to LED airfield lighting and implementing energy-efficient terminal systems.
General Stats
This JSON object provides the URL to the official statistics page for Surat Thani International Airport (URT).
View General Stats→Port Facts
The Port of Surat Thani (THURT) is a freight gateway connecting Southeast Asian maritime corridors and serves as a vital hub for travel to nearby islands.
View Port Facts→General Studies
The official environmental impact assessment study for Surat Thani International Airport is available through the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and can be found on their website, alongside reports from Adani Airport Holdings Limited.
View General Studies→Latest News & Updates
Recent developments and updates for Surat Thani International Airport.
Surat Thani Airport's Terminal 2 Expansion Completed, Boosts Capacity
The expansion of Terminal 2 at Surat Thani International Airport (URT) has been completed, increasing the airport’s capacity to accommodate more passengers and flights.
Surat Thani Airport sees surge in flight delays due to weather
Surat Thani International Airport (URT) experienced a significant increase in flight delays on February 20th, 2026, attributed to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the region.
New Flights Announced for Surat Thani International Airport (URT)
Several airlines have announced new flight routes to and from Surat Thani International Airport (URT), including direct flights to destinations in Phuket and Krabi.
Operations Logistics & Timelines
Step-by-step process transit times for passengers and cargo.
For Clients
Passenger process times from arrival to gate.
- Arrival & Baggage Claim15-30 mins
- Immigration20-60 mins
- Baggage Reclaim10-20 mins
- Customs15-30 mins
- Airport Security10-20 mins
- Transfer to Gate5-15 mins
For Employees
Cargo handling deadlines and operational procedures.
- General Cargo Cut-off60 mins pre-departure
- Cargo ArrivalFlexible, advised to arrive 2 hours prior to departure
- Documentation CheckUpon Arrival
- Security ScreeningFollowing Documentation Check
- Weighing and MeasurementPerformed by airport staff
- Stowage and LoadingLoaded onto aircraft
- Customs Clearance (if applicable)Completed before departure
Passengers' Tips & Tricks
- 1
Arrive Early
Due to potential delays in connecting flights, especially to islands like Koh Samui, it’s advisable to arrive at Surat Thani International Airport (URT) at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure, particularly during peak season.
- 2
Check Luggage Restrictions
The airport has strict regulations regarding baggage, especially for flights to islands. Ensure your luggage meets the airline’s size and weight limits, and be aware of restrictions on hazardous materials.
- 3
Utilize Local Transport Options
Surat Thani International Airport offers various transport options, including private transfers, taxis, and local buses. Research and pre-book private transfers for a smoother journey, especially if traveling to Khao Sok or other remote locations.
- 4
Confirm Flight Details
Double-check your flight details, including terminal and gate information, with the airline before proceeding through security. Confirm baggage allowance and any specific requirements for your destination.
- 5
Be Aware of Island Transfers
If traveling to an island, familiarize yourself with the ferry schedules and transfer processes. Allow ample time for ferry transfers, as delays can occur due to weather conditions.
Cargo Tips & Tricks
- 1
Book in Advance
Air freight capacity at Surat Thani International Airport (URT) can fluctuate significantly, especially during peak tourist seasons. Booking your cargo well in advance allows you to secure space and potentially negotiate better rates.
- 2
Leverage Local FBO Relationships
Utilize the established relationships between FBOs like Universal Aviation and local authorities to streamline ground handling, parking arrangements, and navigate regulatory processes efficiently.
- 3
Understand Customs Procedures
Surat Thani International Airport, serving as a key airport for Southern Thailand, has specific customs procedures. Thoroughly research and understand these requirements to avoid delays and ensure smooth cargo clearance.
- 4
Consider Proximity to Port Songkhla
Recognize that Surat Thani Airport is approximately 264km from the Songkhla seaport. Factor this distance into your transportation planning and supply chain logistics to optimize delivery times.
- 5
Utilize Airport Directory Services
Employ resources like CargoRouter to connect with a network of logistics providers operating from Surat Thani Airport (URT), facilitating airfreight and forwarding services efficiently.
Tools & Resources
Essential tools, portals, and resources for clients and partners.
Data & Reports
Official statistics, research reports, and data tracking for Surat Thani International Airport.
Surat Thani International Airport - Wikipedia
Wikipedia page detailing the airport's location, size, passenger traffic, and RTAF presence.
ACI World Data Center
ACI World's data center provides a wealth of airport and air travel industry data, including passenger and cargo traffic.
World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) - IATA
IATA's WATS database offers detailed passenger and cargo traffic data with various breakdowns.
Airport Statistics Surat Thani | URT
Provides recent arrival and departure statistics for Surat Thani International Airport with source attribution.
Thailand Southern Airport: Surat Thani: Cargo Movement (CM)
Data on cargo movement at Surat Thani Airport, including specific figures for June 2018.
Location & Maps
Find Surat Thani International Airport on popular mapping services.
Interactive Map
Map Legend
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Recommendations
Policy Alignment
Coordinate with Thai aviation authorities to ensure compliance with safety, accessibility, and funding requirements.
Infrastructure Investment
Prioritize apron, terminal, and runway upgrades to support growing passenger and aircraft demand.
Sustainability Focus
Accelerate adoption of green building standards and energy-saving technologies to meet environmental targets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common inquiries about operations and logistics at Surat Thani International Airport.
How long does passenger processing take?
Passenger processing times at Surat Thani International Airport typically range from 30 to 60 minutes depending on the volume of departing flights. This includes check-in, security screening, and baggage drop-off procedures. We strive to minimize wait times where possible.
What types of cargo are handled?
Surat Thani International Airport facilitates the handling of general cargo and freight, primarily serving the tourism and agricultural sectors. The airport supports both domestic and international shipments, focusing on perishable goods and electronics. Dedicated cargo facilities ensure proper handling and storage.
What transport options are available to the airport?
Several taxi services and private car hire companies operate at Surat Thani International Airport. Public bus services also connect the airport to key areas of Surat Thani city. Ride-sharing services are also available for convenient airport transfers.
For More Info
Third-party resources, government portals, ratings, and more.
