HKT Airport Insights & Guide
Key HKT Airport Topics:- Frequent Flier Tips
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Know HKT Airport
Embark on your Thai adventure through Phuket Airport, the island's unique gateway, blending stunning beach escapes with rich cultural experiences. Our concise guide simplifies your airport journey, from flight tracking to discovering the iconic open-air departure lounge that offers a last glimpse of paradise. Explore essential services, including parking, dining, and shopping, to enhance your visit. Dive deeper into airport insights with our Comprehensive Airport Guide.
iFly Tip: Prepare for a smooth journey with children by visiting our comprehensive guide.
Navigating HKT's Terminals
HKT, with the airport code HKT, has one main terminal building that is divided into two sections: Domestic and International. The Domestic section of the terminal has 10 gates, while the International section has 16 gates. Major airlines such as Thai Airways, AirAsia, and Jetstar Asia operate out of both sections of the terminal.
Upon arriving at the airport, passengers will need to check the flight information displays to determine which section of the terminal they need to go to. The Domestic section is located on the left side of the terminal building, while the International section is on the right side.
Once inside the terminal, passengers can find a variety of services and amenities, including restaurants, cafes, and shops. There are also several ATMs and currency exchange counters available for those who need to obtain local currency.
To locate food, services, and airline departure gates, passengers can use our interactive airport map.
Connecting Between Terminals
HKT Airport has a single terminal building, making it easy for travelers to navigate. There is no need to worry about getting between terminals, as there is only one.
Frequent Flier Tips
To help make your experience at Phuket International Airport (HKT) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from HKT-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"Phuket International Airport has two main terminals: Terminal 1 for international flights and Terminal 2 for domestic flights. Make sure to check your boarding pass carefully to know which terminal you need to head to. If you’re flying domestically, Terminal 2 is smaller and easier to navigate." — Somchai P., Thalang, July 2023
"The signage at HKT can be a bit confusing, especially for first-time visitors. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask airport staff for directions. They are usually very helpful and can guide you to your gate quickly." — Naree K., Phuket Town, August 2023
Getting To/From the City
"The airport is about 32 kilometers from Phuket Town. The most convenient way to get to the city is by taking a taxi or using a ride-hailing app. It’s quick and relatively inexpensive, especially if you’re traveling with a group." — Anan S., Kathu, September 2023
"If you’re looking to save some money, the airport bus service is a great option. It runs regularly and can take you to major locations in Phuket Town. Just be prepared for a slightly longer travel time compared to a taxi." — Maliwan T., Patong, October 2023
Parking
"Parking at HKT can get crowded, especially during peak travel seasons. It’s a good idea to book your parking spot in advance if you’re planning to leave your car at the airport for a few days." — Preecha L., Chalong, November 2023
"There are both short-term and long-term parking options available. If you’re just picking someone up, use the short-term parking area to avoid unnecessary charges." — Kanya W., Rawai, December 2023
Inside the Airport
"HKT has a variety of dining options, but they can get quite busy. If you’re in a hurry, grab a quick bite from one of the fast-food outlets rather than waiting at a sit-down restaurant." — Jirawat R., Kamala, January 2024
"For last-minute shopping, the duty-free shops in Terminal 1 offer a good selection of products. Just make sure to leave enough time to browse, as the lines can get long." — Supaporn M., Surin Beach, February 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"To avoid long wait times at security, try to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight for domestic trips and three hours for international flights. Early mornings and late evenings are usually less crowded." — Chaiwat D., Nai Yang, March 2024
"Keep an eye on your flight status through the airport’s official app or website. Delays are not uncommon, and it’s better to be informed in advance so you can plan accordingly." — Ratchanee B., Mai Khao, April 2024
iFly Tip: Stay ahead of the curve with advice on minimizing delays from our airport wait times page.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
If you need to pick up or drop off passengers at HKT Airport, there are a few things you should know. First, curbside parking is not allowed at the airport. This means that you cannot park your car at the curb to wait for your passengers. Instead, there are designated parking areas where you can wait for your passengers to arrive.
If you are dropping off passengers, you can use the designated drop-off area in front of the terminal. This area is clearly marked and is located near the entrance to the terminal. If you are picking up passengers, there is a cell-phone waiting area where you can wait for your passengers to call you when they are ready to be picked up. The cell-phone waiting area is located near the airport entrance and is free to use for up to 2 hours.
Parking Facilities & Options
The airport offers a variety of parking options for travelers. There are several parking lots and garages located near the terminal building, with both short-term and long-term options available. The parking facilities are open 24/7, making it convenient for travelers to park their vehicles at any time.
If you're waiting to pick up someone from the airport, there are designated cell phone waiting areas available. These areas allow you to wait in your vehicle until your party has arrived and is ready to be picked up.
For travelers with disabilities, there are designated handicapped parking spaces available in all parking lots and garages. These spaces are located close to the terminal building and are easily accessible.
If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available near Phuket Airport. These parking facilities offer shuttle service to and from the airport and can be a cost-effective alternative to parking at the airport itself.
Transportation Options
Phuket International Airport (HKT) offers a variety of transportation options for travelers:
- Car Rentals: Major car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, and Hertz have rental facilities located at the airport. This makes it convenient for travelers to rent a car upon arrival. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability.
- Taxis: Taxi services are readily available at Phuket International Airport. The taxi stand is located outside the terminal building. Fares are fixed based on the destination, but it is important to note that there is an additional fee for taxis leaving the airport. The ride to Phuket town typically takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Ride-Share Services: Services like Grab and Uber are available for a more affordable transportation option. These services can be accessed through their respective mobile apps and have designated pickup areas at the airport. Be sure to check for any restrictions regarding luggage and passenger capacity.
- Airport Shuttles: Several companies operate shuttle services to and from the airport, providing transportation to various locations in Phuket. Pickup areas for airport shuttles are located outside the terminal building. Fares vary based on the destination, and it is recommended to book your shuttle in advance to ensure availability.
- Public Transportation: Public buses and minibusses are available at the airport for a more budget-friendly option. The bus stop is located outside the terminal building. While these options are more affordable, they may take longer to reach your destination. Fares vary based on the destination, and tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver.
iFly Tip: Ensure your toddler's safety and comfort with advice from our toddler flying guide.
Airport Hotels
Looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the airport? We have a range of excellent hotel options to suit every traveler's needs. From budget-friendly residences to luxurious resorts, all are within a short distance from the airport. Many of these hotels offer amenities such as complimentary WiFi, private parking, and enticing outdoor pools. Some are also conveniently located near local attractions, offering travelers the opportunity to explore and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Ready to book now? View all HKT Hotels including rates, on a map.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
The airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. For a quick bite, head to Burger King or Starbucks, both located in the Departure Hall. If you have more time to spare, check out the Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge for a selection of Thai and international cuisine. For a taste of local flavors, visit S&P Restaurant, which serves Thai dishes like Pad Thai and Tom Yum Soup.
When it comes to shopping, Phuket Airport has plenty to offer. Pick up some souvenirs at the Thai Silk Shop or browse through the selection of duty-free items at King Power. Need to stock up on snacks for your flight? Stop by 7-Eleven or Boots Pharmacy.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at Phuket Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map.
Passenger Services
- Free Wi-Fi: Phuket Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal, ensuring travelers can stay connected during their time at the airport.
- Lost and Found: If you misplace an item during your journey, the lost and found office is located on the first floor of the terminal building for your convenience.
- Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, Phuket Airport features a designated children's play area located near the boarding gates.
- Special-Needs Services: The airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and other services for passengers with special needs. It’s recommended to notify your airline in advance if you require any assistance.
- ATM: Several ATMs are available throughout the terminal building, providing access to banking services while you’re at the airport.
- Medical Center: In case of a medical emergency, a medical center staffed by trained professionals is located on the first floor of the terminal building.
- Airport Lounges: Phuket Airport features several lounges including the Coral Executive Lounge, located in the International Terminal. The lounge offers amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, beverages, snacks, and comfortable seating areas to relax before your flight. Additionally, there are workstations, a full bar, and shower facilities for those needing to freshen up before a long journey.
Flight Status Info
For air travelers, it is important to stay updated on the status of their flight departure. At Phuket Airport, passengers can use the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) to check for any changes in their flight schedule. These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
In addition to the FIDS, passengers can also use airline mobile phone apps to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes. These alerts can be received via text, email, or push notifications, depending on the airline's app. It is recommended that passengers download the app of the airline they are flying with to stay informed about any changes to their flight schedule.
Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at HKT by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
- Location: Phuket Airport (HKT) is located in the southern part of Thailand.
- Terminal: The airport has one terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights.
- Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Airways International. For a list of all airlines, check out the HKT Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: Phuket Airport handles approximately 20,000 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: The airport sees around 150 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from HKT are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
- Hub Status: Phuket Airport is a hub for Thai AirAsia and Bangkok Airways.
Airport History
Phuket Airport, located in the southern part of Thailand, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1919 - The first airport was built in Phuket, known as the Ban Kuku Airport.
- 1976 - The airport was relocated to a new site in Mai Khao, and was renamed as the Phuket International Airport.
- 2004 - The airport was severely damaged by the Indian Ocean Tsunami, resulting in a temporary closure.
- 2006 - The airport underwent a major renovation and expansion, including the construction of a new terminal building and runway.
- 2018 - The airport welcomed over 9 million passengers, making it one of the busiest airports in Thailand.
Today, HKT continues to serve as a gateway to the popular tourist destination of Phuket and the surrounding areas.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about Phuket International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: HKT
- Airport Website
- Phone: +66 76 351 166
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Phuket International Airport, 222 Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Phuket Airport Q&A
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