Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) stands as one of Asia’s oldest operating airports and a vital aviation hub for Thailand’s capital city. Originally Bangkok’s primary international gateway before being supplanted by Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang has reinvented itself as a thriving center for low-cost carriers while maintaining its historical significance in Thailand’s aviation landscape.
DMK History
Don Mueang’s aviation roots run deep, with its origins dating back to March 8, 1914, when it first welcomed Royal Thai Air Force aircraft. Officially opened as a Royal Thai Air Force base on March 27, 1914, it holds the distinction of being one of the world’s oldest international airports still in operation. Commercial flights began in 1924, with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines making the inaugural commercial landing, cementing Don Mueang’s place in aviation history.
For decades, Don Mueang served as Bangkok’s main international gateway under the airport code BKK. At its peak in 2004, the airport processed an impressive 38 million passengers and 700,000 tons of cargo annually, making it the 14th busiest airport globally and the second busiest in Asia by passenger volume.
The airport’s fortunes changed dramatically on September 28, 2006, when the newly constructed Suvarnabhumi Airport took over as Bangkok’s primary international airport. Don Mueang temporarily ceased commercial operations, before reopening on March 25, 2007, initially handling only limited domestic flights. The airport received a new IATA code (DMK), while its former code (BKK) was reassigned to Suvarnabhumi.
Don Mueang’s revival gained momentum in 2012 when the Thai government decided to end its single-airport policy, redirecting low-cost, chartered, and non-connecting flights to Don Mueang to alleviate congestion at Suvarnabhumi. This strategic decision transformed DMK into what would eventually become one of the world’s largest low-cost carrier hubs.
DMK Quick Facts and Statistics
- Full Name: Don Mueang International Airport (???????????????????)
- IATA Code: DMK (formerly BKK)
- ICAO Code: VTBD
- Location: 24 kilometers north of central Bangkok
- Elevation: 9 feet (3 meters) above sea level
- Runways: Two parallel runways
- Runway 21R/03L: 3,700 meters long, 60 meters wide (12,139 × 197 feet)
- Runway 21L/03R: 3,500 meters long, 45 meters wide (11,461 × 147 feet)
- Aircraft Parking Stands: 95
- Current Passenger Capacity: 30 million passengers annually
- Current Terminal Area: Terminal 1 covers 109,033 square meters, Terminal 2 adds additional capacity
- Unique Feature: A Royal Thai Air Force golf course is located between the two runways, with golfers held back by a red light whenever planes land
Terminal Facilities
Don Mueang International Airport currently operates with two main passenger terminals:
Terminal 1 serves international flights. It features modern amenities including self-check-in kiosks, baggage services, currency exchange booths, and various dining and shopping options. The terminal has undergone significant renovations to improve passenger experience since the airport’s revival as a low-cost hub.
Terminal 2 handles domestic flights. After extensive renovation completed in 2015, this terminal significantly enhanced the airport’s capacity. Terminal 2 offers a range of passenger services including food courts, retail outlets, and passenger lounges.
The terminals are connected by a unique glass exterior elevated walkway, allowing passengers to move between the two buildings without exiting the secure area. There is also an exterior walkway connected to the adjacent Amari hotel, providing convenient accommodation for travelers.
Don Mueang offers a comprehensive range of facilities to ensure passenger comfort:
- Prayer rooms and multi-faith facilities
- Parents’ rooms and children’s play areas
- Medical center and pharmacy
- Foreign exchange services
- Luggage storage and wrapping services
- Free Wi-Fi throughout all terminals
- ATMs and banking services
- Various dining options ranging from fast food to premium restaurants
- Duty-free shopping at King Power and other retail outlets
Airlines and Destinations
Don Mueang International Airport serves as a hub for several low-cost carriers:
- Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X
- Nok Air
- Thai Lion Air
- Thai VietJet Air
The airport primarily facilitates domestic connections throughout Thailand and international flights to destinations across Southeast Asia, China, and other parts of Asia. As a dedicated low-cost carrier airport, DMK has become an essential gateway for budget-conscious travelers exploring Thailand and neighboring countries.
Ground Transportation
Don Mueang offers diverse ground transportation options connecting travelers to Bangkok and beyond:
Public Buses: Several dedicated airport bus routes connect Don Mueang with key locations in Bangkok:
- A1: Don Mueang Airport – BTS Chatuchak Station – Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal (30 Baht)
- A2: Don Mueang Airport – BTS Chatuchak Station – Victory Monument (30 Baht)
- A3: Don Mueang Airport – Pratunam – Ratchaprasong – Lumpini Park (50 Baht)
- A4: Don Mueang Airport – Democracy Monument – Khao San Road – Sanam Luang (50 Baht)
Airport Shuttle: Free shuttle service operates between Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi Airport from 05:00 to 24:00 for passengers with valid air tickets.
Taxis: Metered taxis are available at designated stands outside the terminal buildings. The journey to central Bangkok typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on traffic conditions and costs approximately 350 Baht plus expressway tolls.
Car Rental: Several car rental companies maintain service counters on the first floor of the airport, offering both self-drive and chauffeur-driven options.
Train: Don Mueang Station sits across the highway from the airport, connected by a pedestrian bridge. Currently, the State Railway of Thailand’s Dark Red Line serves the station, with trains running to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station.
Parking Facilities: The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options in multi-level garages, with a seven-level and a three-level car park located in front of the terminals.
The Future of Don Mueang Airport
Don Mueang International Airport is poised for significant expansion under an ambitious development plan. The third phase of development, with an estimated investment of 36.8 billion baht (approximately US$1 billion), is scheduled to begin by 2025 and be completed by 2029.
Key elements of the expansion plan include:
- New Terminal 3: Construction of a new international passenger terminal providing 160,000 square meters of space
- Terminal Renovations: Conversion of existing Terminals 1 and 2 to serve exclusively domestic passengers
- Capacity Increase: Expansion of annual passenger capacity from 30 million to 50 million
- Infrastructure Improvements: Enhancement of traffic systems including direct connections from the Don Mueang Tollway to passenger terminals
- Technological Innovations: Implementation of Common Use Self Service kiosks, Common Use Bag Drop machines, and Automatic Return Tray System for baggage
- Rail Connectivity: By 2029, a high-speed rail line is expected to connect Don Mueang with Suvarnabhumi Airport, U-Tapao Airport in Pattaya, and Phaya Thai Station in central Bangkok
These developments aim to transform Don Mueang into a fully equipped aviation center capable of handling the projected growth in passenger traffic while maintaining its efficiency as a low-cost carrier hub.
The expansion reflects Thailand’s broader strategy to enhance its aviation infrastructure to support tourism growth and strengthen Bangkok’s position as a regional transit hub. With these planned improvements, Don Mueang International Airport is set to continue its remarkable renaissance as a vital component of Thailand’s aviation network.
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