🇹🇭 Tak Airport

Tak Airport (VTPT/TKT)

Tak Airport is a public airport located in Nam Ruem, Mueang Tak, Tak Province, Thailand. It operates under the ICAO code VTPT and IATA code TKT. The airport was opened on May 31, 1977.

Operations and Facilities:

• Runway: The airport has one runway, 09/27, which is 1,500 meters long and 30 meters wide, with a concrete and asphalt surface. Its strength is rated as PCN 16/F/C/X/T.
• Elevation: The airport's elevation is 478 feet (146 meters) above mean sea level.
• Traffic: Both IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) and VFR (Visual Flight Rules) traffic are permitted.
• Operational Hours: The aerodrome operator is available Monday-Friday from 0130-0930 UTC, and 2300-1100 UTC. Air Traffic Services (ATS) are available upon request with 3 hours prior notice to Phitsanulok approach control center.
• Communication: Tak Approach operates on 126.0 MHz and 121.5 MHz (emergency), while Tak Tower uses 121.5 MHz and 118.8 MHz.
• Navigation Aids: A Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) with identifier "TK" operates on 332 KHz 24 hours a day.
• Other Facilities: The airport has cargo-handling facilities, de-icing facilities, hangar space, and repair facilities for visiting aircraft. An aeronautical meteorological station is available 24 hours.

History and Current Status: Tak Airport previously had commercial passenger service from Thai Airways International from 1990 to 1994, and later by ATR-72 aircraft until 1997, but these services ceased due to low passenger numbers.

In 2020, the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation established the Northern Royal Rainmaking Operations Center at Tak Airport. As of January 22, 2025, the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation has taken over the management responsibility of Tak Airport from the Department of Airports. This change, approved by the cabinet on October 1, 2024, designates Tak Airport as the primary center for air operations related to drought relief, wildfire suppression, and PM2.5 pollution mitigation. The airport no longer handles regular commercial flights, and general aviation flights previously using Tak Airport are encouraged to use Mae Sot Airport instead. In 2023, all 312 flights at Tak Airport were for royal rainmaking missions. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) lists Tak Airport as having "No operation".

*Sources researched: aip.caat.or.th, en.wikipedia.org, caat.or.th, news.ch7.com, eb.archive.org*