Phuket Airport is a medium-sized airport with two terminals that are connected into one complex. The distance between the main entrances of the two terminals is approximately 200 metres and is conveniently crossed by a marked walkway.
The buildings are divided by destination.
- International Terminal - a modern spacious building built in 2016 handles all flights to destinations outside Thailand.
- Domestic Terminal - an older modernised building handles all flights to Thai destinations
Cheap hotels near Phuket Airport
The airport is very clear and the check-in process is efficient.
The average wait time for security check is 15 minutes. In the peak winter season, the queue can exceptionally reach up to 30 minutes.
Passport control on arrival is also efficient and quick and can take up to 45 minutes maximum.
Transfer between flights
Although Phuket Airport is not a major Asian hub, it can also serve as a transfer airport due to the large number of international flights.
The procedures below apply to passengers who have both flights on the same booking or passengers with hand luggage only and have a mobile boarding pass for the connecting flight as well.
International <-> Domestic
If you arrive in Phuket from abroad and continue on a domestic flight within Thailand (or vice versa), you must always transfer between terminals.
There are no buildings connected by a transit zone, so you have to go through conventional immigration, collect your baggage, walk out, walk between terminals (200 metres) and check in again.
The total procedure, depending on the queue at passport and security control, takes on average 40 to 75 minutes.
International <-> International
After exiting the aircraft, follow the "Connecting Flights" signs which will take you to a special transit security checkpoint. There are virtually no queues and once through security you will be straight through the departure gate area.
You do not collect your luggage.
The whole process takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Domestic <-> Domestic
After exiting the aircraft, follow the "Connecting Flights" signs, which will take you directly to the departure gate area.
You do not collect your luggage.
The total process takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Good afternoon,
I will soon be flying from Phuket to Frankfurt with a stopover in Bangkok. I am flying both routes on one ticket with Thai Airways. The baggage will be checked through.
I have now been told that I have to go to the international terminal in Phuket. But how do I get to the gate for the domestic flights after check-in and immigration? I read in your blog that there is no connection there.
Hello, some Thai flights are debarked as international even on the domestic sector Phuket - Bangkok, so they fly directly from the international terminal.