Suvarnabhumi Airport

Suvarnabhumi Airport (Thai: ท่าอากาศยานสุวรรณภูมิ, pronounced [sù.wān.nā.pʰūːm]), also known unofficially as Bangkok International Airport, is one of two international airports serving Bangkok, Thailand. The other is Don Mueang International Airport. Suvarnabhumi covers an area of 3,240 hectares, making it one of the biggest international airports in Southeast Asia and a key hub for various airlines operating in Asia.

History

Suvarnabhumi was officially opened for limited domestic flight service on 15 September 2006, and opened for most domestic and all international commercial flights on 28 September 2006. The airport's name, Suvarnabhumi, means "Land of Gold" in Sanskrit, a name chosen by King Bhumibol Adulyadej which refers to an ancient golden kingdom, hypothesized to have been located somewhere in Southeast Asia.

Facilities

The airport has a single large terminal building, a masterpiece of modern architecture, designed to handle over 45 million passengers and 3 million tons of cargo annually. The terminal's design incorporates many elements of Thai culture and symbolism. Suvarnabhumi's air traffic control tower is among the tallest in the world, ensuring efficient aircraft movements.

Runways

Suvarnabhumi Airport features two parallel runways that are 4,000 meters and 3,700 meters long. This configuration allows for simultaneous take-offs and landings, significantly increasing the airport's capacity.

Transportation

Public transport options to and from Suvarnabhumi Airport include a dedicated Airport Rail Link (ARL), buses, taxis, and car rentals. The ARL connects the airport with downtown Bangkok, offering a fast and affordable option for travelers.

Airlines and Destinations

Suvarnabhumi serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights. It is the main hub for Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Smile Airways. The airport offers direct flights to numerous destinations worldwide, facilitating global connectivity.

Future Developments

Plans for the expansion of Suvarnabhumi Airport include the construction of a third runway, additional terminal buildings, and further enhancements to its facilities to accommodate the growing number of passengers and flights.

Controversies

Since its inception, Suvarnabhumi Airport has faced several issues, including concerns over the durability of its runways and taxiways, allegations of corruption in its construction, and environmental impacts on surrounding communities.

See Also

• Don Mueang International Airport
• List of airports in Thailand
• Airports of Thailand PLC