Chumphon Airport

Chumphon Airport (CJM) is not merely a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the treasures of the Gulf of Thailand. Situated amidst picturesque tropical landscapes, this cosy regional airport serves as the main link between bustling Bangkok and the serene beaches of the south. Travellers appreciate it not for its scale, but for its strategic importance: it is from here that the fastest route begins to the famous divers' island of Koh Tao and the pristine coast of Chumphon province. The relaxed atmosphere and absence of crowds allow your holiday to begin from the very first minutes after landing.

Features and advantages of the airport:

The main advantage of the airport is its role as a key hub for island tourism. Thanks to a well-organised system of combined transport (flight + bus + ferry), tourists can reach the islands of Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, or Samui significantly faster than through other transport hubs. The compact size of the single terminal ensures swift passport control and baggage claim, eliminating the long queues typical of large international airports. Furthermore, its location in the Pathio district opens up access to uncrowded white sand beaches, which are just a few minutes' drive from the runway.

Below is the contact information for Chumphon Airport (CJM). It is recommended to verify the data on official resources before travelling.

• Official airport website: minisite.airports.go.th/chumphon
• Information desk phone: +66 7759 1267
• Airport address: 102 Moo 2, Chum Kho, Pathio District, Chumphon 86160, Thailand
• Email: chumphon@airports.go.th (for general enquiries)
• Airport social media: Official pages can be found on social networks (e.g., Facebook) under the name "ท่าอากาศยานชุมพร".
• Lost luggage information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline representatives directly at the airport.
• Passenger support contacts: For general information and assistance, the main information desk phone number can be used.

Chumphon Airport (CJM) is located approximately 35 kilometres north of the city of Chumphon, which serves as the gateway to the islands of the Gulf of Thailand. The journey from the city centre to the airport usually takes between 40 and 50 minutes, depending on the chosen transport and traffic conditions.

One of the most popular and budget-friendly ways to get to the airport is by shared minivan (shuttle bus). Many hotels and travel agencies in the city offer transfer services, which are often coordinated with the flight schedules of airlines such as Nok Air and Air Asia. The cost of a minivan trip is usually 150-250 THB per person. This is an excellent choice for solo travellers and those wishing to economise.

For greater comfort, especially if you are travelling with family or a large amount of luggage, you can use taxi services or book a private transfer. Taxis can be found in the city, but it is more reliable to book a car through your hotel or an online service. A taxi ride will cost approximately 500-800 THB. It is recommended to agree on the price in advance to avoid misunderstandings. A pre-booked transfer guarantees a fixed cost and the timely arrival of the vehicle.

If you plan to explore Chumphon province and its surroundings on your own, car rental would be the ideal solution. You can rent a car both in the city itself or arrange for delivery directly to the airport by the time of your departure. This option provides maximum freedom of movement. Chumphon Airport has parking facilities where you can leave a private or rented car for the duration of your trip. Given that the airport is not overly large, finding a free space is usually not difficult.

Chumphon Airport (CJM) is a small and compact regional airport, making navigation extremely simple and convenient for travellers. You will not have to worry about complex layouts and long walks characteristic of major international hubs.

The airport has only one passenger terminal, which serves both departing and arriving flights. The terminal building consists of a single hall where all key zones are within walking distance of each other. Thanks to such a simple layout, getting lost here is practically impossible. All navigation is intuitive, and signs are generally duplicated in English.

Departure and arrival zones are located in the same building. Upon entering the terminal, you will immediately see the check-in counters. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to a small security screening area, followed by a waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrival zone is on the other side of the building: after disembarking the aircraft, passengers enter the baggage claim hall and then proceed immediately to the airport exit. Since there is only one terminal, no transfers between terminals are required.

The main feature of Chumphon Airport is its compactness and speed of service. Completing all formalities, including flight check-in and security screening, usually takes no more than 20-30 minutes. There are no long queues here, and staff work quickly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport generally 1.5 hours before departure to complete all procedures without haste and enjoy a coffee in the waiting lounge.

The history of Chumphon Airport (CJM) is a story of the transformation of a small regional node into a key gateway to the famous islands of the Gulf of Thailand. Its construction began in 1995, and the official opening took place on 14 March 1998. Just a week later, on 21 March, the airport received its first commercial flight from Thai Airways. Initially, it was conceived to stimulate the economic development of the province and improve transport accessibility.

A real breakthrough in the airport's development occurred with the arrival of budget airlines. A key role was played by Nok Air, which launched regular flights from Bangkok in 2008. Later, Thai AirAsia joined them. This made Chumphon an extremely popular transit point for tourists from all over the world heading to the islands of Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Samui. Convenient combined tickets appeared, including the flight and ferry transfer, which significantly reduced travel time.

With the growth of passenger traffic, the airport has been modernised repeatedly. In recent years, large-scale plans have been approved for the expansion of the passenger terminal and the extension of the runway from 2,100 to almost 3,000 metres. These improvements will allow for accommodating a larger number of flights and larger aircraft, which will further strengthen its status as an important tourism hub in the south of Thailand. Furthermore, during periods of natural disasters, such as floods, the airport has performed an important humanitarian function, serving as a centre for evacuation and aid delivery.

One interesting fact lies in its location. The airport is situated not in the city itself, but approximately 35 km to the north, in the Pathio district. This location was not chosen by chance — it provides convenient and quick access to the piers from where speedboats and ferries depart for the islands, making it an ideal starting point for beach holidays and diving trips.

Chumphon Airport (CJM) is a small and compact regional airport which, nevertheless, offers passengers all necessary basic services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Although the range of amenities here cannot be compared with major international hubs, you will find everything needed to handle essential tasks before flying.

Within the terminal, there are several small cafés where you can have a coffee or a refreshing drink and order light snacks. There is also a small shop selling souvenirs reflecting the character of Thailand, and travel essentials. The selection of dining establishments and shops is limited but sufficient for a short stay at the airport.

Passengers can utilise free Wi-Fi to stay connected or work. In the waiting lounge, there are power outlets for charging mobile phones and other gadgets, although their number may be limited. Specialised VIP lounges or business lounges are generally absent at Chumphon Airport; waiting for flights takes place in the general departure hall comfortably.

To handle financial matters, ATMs are installed in the terminal. Currency exchange points may be available, but their operating hours are often tied to the flight schedule, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance. In case of need, there is a medical point at the airport for first aid.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility — ramps and accessible restrooms are provided. There are no designated play areas for travellers with children, but the compactness of the terminal makes it easy to keep an eye on young tourists. There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, but many accommodation options are available in the city of Chumphon, which can be quickly reached by taxi. Conference rooms or business centres are also absent at the airport; for these purposes, it is better to use the infrastructure of city hotels.

Chumphon Airport (CJM) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited. Passengers requiring a full lunch or dinner are strongly advised to eat in the city of Chumphon before arriving at the airport. Options inside the terminal are more suitable for a light snack or purchasing drinks before departure.

In the airport's single terminal, typically in the public area before security control (landside), there are several small cafés and kiosks. Here you can purchase coffee, tea, bottled water, soft drinks, as well as packaged snacks: crisps, biscuits, sandwiches, and sometimes simple pastries. This is a convenient option for a quick bite while waiting for a flight.

One should not expect a wide selection of local Thai cuisine dishes at the airport. Specialised offers for specific dietary requirements (such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets) are practically absent. If you have strict dietary requirements, it is best to bring food with you.

Prices in the airport cafés are slightly higher than in the city but remain quite reasonable. The opening hours of establishments are directly tied to the flight schedule: they open a few hours before the first departure and close after the last aircraft leaves. Thus, you will always be able to buy at least water and a light snack.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Chumphon city proceeds as comfortably as possible, take advantage of our tips. This is a small regional airport, so processes here usually occur faster than in the major transport hubs of Thailand.

Arrival time and check-in. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is sufficient to check in at the counter and pass security screening without haste. Procedures here are standard, but queues are generally small. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.

Choosing a seat on the plane. Flights from Chumphon often head towards the islands, so a window seat will offer you breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand and the coastline. If freedom of movement is more important to you, choose an aisle seat so you can easily stand up and stretch your legs.

Hand luggage. Remember the general rules: liquids are permitted in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects and flammable substances are prohibited. Pay attention to local specifics: carrying durian in hand luggage and even in checked baggage is often prohibited due to its pungent odour.

Passengers with connections. Chumphon Airport is rarely used as a transit hub. If you do have a connection planned, check in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. Allow sufficient time between flights, as infrastructure for long waits here is limited.

Customs control. This procedure is relevant only for passengers arriving on international flights. If you have nothing to declare, feel free to go through the "Green Channel". When departing the country, ensure you are not taking out prohibited items, for example, unprocessed corals or Buddha statues exceeding a certain size.

Saving time and money. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline provides such an option. It is better to book a transfer from the airport to your hotel or pier in advance — this is often cheaper than negotiating with taxis on the spot. The choice of cafés at the airport is small, so you may wish to have a meal before arriving.

In case of flight delay. In the event of a flight delay, remain calm. Monitor information on the departure boards and in your airline's app. Since the airport is small, leisure opportunities are limited. It is strongly recommended to carry a book, a charged power bank, and downloaded films. Contact an airline representative to enquire about the possibility of providing drinks or meals.