Phuket International Airport (HKT)
Phuket, TH 🇹🇭 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
VTSP
IATA
HKT
Elevation
82 ft
Region
TH-83
Local Time
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GPS Code: VTSP
Local Code: Not available
Location: 8.1132° N, 98.316902° E
Continent: Asia
Type: Large International Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Phuket International Airport (HKT) generally receives mixed to positive reviews from recent travelers, with some notable improvements in recent years. In 2024, Skytrax recognized HKT as one of the world's 10 most improved airports, reflecting efforts to enhance the traveler experience. While the airport is seen as modern and offers a range of amenities, some persistent issues, particularly regarding congestion during peak times, continue to affect traveler satisfaction.
What Travelers Love
- Improved Efficiency (especially during off-peak): During quieter periods, particularly in the rainy season (e.g., September), travelers report shorter lines for security and immigration, and faster processing times.
- Modern Facilities and Cleanliness: The airport is generally described as clean and modern, with good facilities. Many find the terminal to be well-maintained.
- Variety of Transportation Options: A range of options are available for getting to and from the airport, including taxis, shared minivans, the Airport Bus to Phuket Town, and the Phuket Smart Bus to various beach destinations. Private transfers are also praised for being comfortable, clean, and prompt.
- Helpful Signage: Travelers generally find the signage in both English and Thai to be clear and helpful.
Common Complaints
- Long Immigration and Security Wait Times (peak season): During high season and peak hours, immigration and security queues can be very long, leading to significant delays and frustration. Some travelers have reported waiting for over an hour for immigration.
- Crowding and Seating Limitations: The airport can get very crowded, especially in waiting areas past security, with a limited number of seats at the gates.
- Disorganized Check-in and Baggage Claim: Some past reviews mention disorganization at check-in desks and issues with baggage claim, including small carousels and lack of staff to manage order.
- Touts and Misleading Information: Travelers have reported issues with touts outside the airport trying to direct them to more expensive or incorrect transportation options, and misleading information at some airport cafes.
- Limited Food and Drink Options Post-Security: Some reviews indicate that the selection of food and beverage outlets is more extensive before security, with fewer choices and potentially higher prices once airside.
Overall, Phuket International Airport offers a generally good experience, particularly with recent improvements, but travelers should be prepared for potential delays and crowding, especially during peak travel periods. Utilizing pre-booked private transfers or ride-sharing apps like Bolt or Grab is often recommended for smoother transportation, and allowing ample time for airport procedures is advisable.
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Airport Routes
Phuket International Airport (HKT) offers 65 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include Bangkok, Thai AirAsia, Thai Vietjet Air and others. Popular destinations from Phuket include Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Int'l, Kuala Lumpur Int'l, Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l), Incheon Int'l and Hong Kong Int'l.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
- Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Int'l (BKK) 4
- Kuala Lumpur Int'l (KUL) 3
- Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l) (DMK) 3
- Incheon Int'l (ICN) 3
- Hong Kong Int'l (HKG) 3
- Chiang Mai Int'l (CNX) 2
- Penang Int'l (PEN) 2
- Indira Gandhi Int'l (DEL) 2
- Irkutsk Int'l (IKT) 2
- Seeb Int'l (MCT) 2
- Krasnoyarsk Yemelyanovo (KJA) 2
- Singapore Changi (SIN) 2
Newly Discovered
- Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l) (DMK) new
- Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Int'l (BKK) new
- Irkutsk Int'l (IKT) new
- Beijing Capital Int'l (PEK) new
- Abu Dhabi Int'l (AUH) new
- Indira Gandhi Int'l (DEL) new
- Chiang Mai Int'l (CNX) new
- Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) new
- Singapore Changi (SIN) new
- Almaty (ALA) new
- Kuala Lumpur Int'l (KUL) new
- Samui (USM) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Phuket International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bangkok
BKP
/ PG
|
4 | 98 | 4 | Feb 9, 2026 |
Thai AirAsia
AIQ
/ FD
|
6 | 97 | 6 | Feb 9, 2026 |
|
Thai Vietjet Air
TVJ
/ VZ
|
3 | 62 | 3 | Feb 9, 2026 |
|
Thai Lion
TLM
/ SL
|
1 | 42 | 1 | Feb 9, 2026 |
|
Thai Airways
THA
/ TG
|
1 | 35 | 1 | Feb 9, 2026 |
|
Nok Air
NOK
/ DD
|
1 | 33 | 1 | Feb 9, 2026 |
IndiGO
IGO
/ 6E
|
4 | 24 | 4 | Sep 6, 2025 |
AirAsia
AXM
/ AK
|
1 | 24 | 1 | Jan 19, 2026 |
Etihad Airways
ETD
/ EY
|
1 | 23 | 1 | Feb 9, 2026 |
Qatar Airways
QTR
/ QR
|
2 | 21 | 2 | Jan 16, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
09/27 |
10171 ft | 148 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | APP | 124.7 MHz |
| ATIS | ATIS | 128.0 MHz |
| GND | GND | 121.9 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 118.1 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Metered taxis are available at a stand outside the arrivals hall; an airport surcharge applies. Pre-paid 'Airport Limousine' services offer fixed-price fares from counters inside the terminal. Ride-hailing apps like Grab are also a popular option.
Rental Cars
Several international and local car rental companies, including Avis, Hertz, Sixt, and Budget, have service counters within the arrivals halls of both the domestic and international terminals. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
Public Transportation
The Phuket Smart Bus is an affordable option, running from the airport along the west coast to major beaches like Patong, Karon, and Kata. The orange Airport Bus provides service to Phuket Town. Shared minivans are also available from counters in the arrivals hall, offering a cost-effective way to reach popular areas by grouping passengers.