Krabi Airport

Krabi Airport (KBV) is not merely a transit point, but a true aerial gateway to a world of tropical paradise and karst cliffs. Situated amidst lush greenery, it offers the feeling of a long-awaited holiday from the very first minute, sparing you the hustle and bustle of giant aviation hubs. From here begins the journey to the famous beaches of Ao Nang, Railay, and the Phi Phi Islands, while the compact size of the terminals allows for formalities to be completed quickly and without unnecessary stress.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Krabi Airport stands out for its cosy and relaxed atmosphere, which is highly valued by tourists after a long flight. Despite its relatively small size, it possesses all the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable start to your journey through Southern Thailand.

• Compactness and Navigation: The airport consists of two main terminals — Terminal 1 (International) and Terminal 2 (Domestic). They are within walking distance of each other and connected by a covered walkway, making transfers as simple and quick as possible. Getting lost here is practically impossible.
• Transport Accessibility: Shuttle buses can be found right at the exit of the arrival hall, transporting tourists to the popular resorts of Ao Nang and Krabi Town for a reasonable fee. Official taxis and car rental counters are also available, allowing you to head straight to the sea.
• Scenic Surroundings: The runway is positioned in such a way that, upon descent, breathtaking views of emerald hills and limestone cliffs — the province's calling card — are revealed.
• Basic Services: While there are no huge shopping malls here, the terminals have everything you need: currency exchange points, counters with local SIM cards, small cafes, and souvenir shops to buy something for the road or have a snack.

Below you will find useful contact details that you may need during your stay at Krabi Airport.

• Official Website: The most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations can always be found on the official website: krabi.airportthai.co.th.
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate information, you can call: +66 75 701 500.
• Airport Address: Nuea Khlong, Nuea Khlong District, Krabi 81130, Thailand.
• Email: For written enquiries, you can use the email: info.kbv@airportthai.co.th.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage is lost during the flight, you should first contact your airline's counter. For items left in the terminal building, you can contact the airport's Lost and Found service.
• Passenger Support Service: For general questions related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the main information desk number.

Reaching Krabi Airport, located approximately 15 km from Krabi Town and 27 km from the popular resort of Ao Nang, can be done in several ways. The choice depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and the level of comfort you prefer.

The most budget-friendly option is the official shuttle bus. These air-conditioned buses run between the airport, the city of Krabi, and Ao Nang Beach. The cost of a trip to Krabi Town is about 90-100 Baht, and to Ao Nang — about 150 Baht. Buses depart as they fill up, so sometimes you may have to wait a little. The travel time to the city centre is approximately 30-40 minutes, and to Ao Nang — about an hour.

For those who value speed and convenience, a taxi or private transfer is the ideal choice. At the exit of the arrival terminal, there is an official taxi counter where you can order a car at a fixed price. A trip to Krabi Town will cost approximately 350-450 Baht, and to Ao Nang — 500-600 Baht. A pre-booked transfer is especially convenient for families with children or large groups, as the driver will meet you with a sign right in the arrival hall.

If you plan to explore the picturesque surroundings on your own, it is worth considering renting a car. Counters of many international and local rental agencies are present at the airport. This gives complete freedom of movement around the province. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the high tourist season. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, there is a car park with rates for short-term and long-term parking.

When planning a trip through Southern Thailand, it is also useful to know about neighbouring airports. The largest of them, Phuket International Airport (HKT), is located about two to three hours away by road and handles many more international flights. Other alternatives could be the airports in Trang (TST) and Surat Thani (URT), which are convenient for further trips to the islands of the Gulf of Thailand or the southern provinces of the country.

Krabi Airport (KBV) has a simple and passenger-friendly structure, making navigation quite easy even for first-time visitors. The terminal complex consists of two terminals located in one building.

Terminal 1 (T1) is designed to handle international flights, while Terminal 2 (T2) serves domestic flights within Thailand. Since they are under one roof and connected by a common space, the walk between them takes no more than 2-3 minutes. This is particularly convenient for travellers transferring from an international flight to a domestic one and vice versa.

The airport layout is intuitive. As in many modern airports, the floors are divided by functionality:

• First Floor — This is the Arrivals zone. Here you will find baggage claim belts, customs control counters (in the international terminal), car rental offices, currency exchange points, and taxi booking desks.
• Second Floor — The Departures zone. Here, airline check-in counters are located, after which passengers proceed to passport control and pre-flight security checks.

Despite its compactness, the airport can be quite busy during the high tourist season. It is recommended to allow sufficient time for check-in and security screening. For international flights, arrive 2.5–3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 1.5–2 hours. This will allow you to avoid rushing and go through all procedures calmly.

For navigation, simply follow the numerous signs in English and Thai. The departure boards always indicate the terminal number and check-in counter for your flight. Even if you make a mistake and enter the wrong sector, you can easily walk to the adjacent one without leaving the building.

The history of Krabi Airport (KBV) is a story of rapid growth, directly linked to the transformation of the Thailand province of the same name into one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. The airport was officially opened on 10 July 1999. Its construction was a key step for the development of the region, as prior to this, tourists had to travel here via Phuket or other transport hubs, which was long and inconvenient.

Initially designed for moderate passenger traffic, the airport almost immediately faced a boom in popularity. Demand for direct flights to Krabi grew so quickly that a serious expansion was required just a few years later. In 2006, a new four-storey international terminal was opened, and the runway was extended to 3,000 metres. This allowed for the accommodation of larger long-haul aircraft and significantly increased capacity.

One of the most important yet tragic moments in the airport's history was the end of 2004. Following the devastating tsunami in the Indian Ocean, Krabi Airport played a crucial role in the rescue operation. It became a logistical centre for evacuating the injured, delivering humanitarian aid, and the arrival of rescue workers from all over the world, proving its strategic importance not only for tourism but also for ensuring safety in the region.

In subsequent years, modernisation did not cease. To cope with the constantly growing number of travellers, which exceeded 4 million people per year by 2017, works were carried out to expand existing terminals and increase the number of check-in counters and boarding gates. Today, the airport continues to develop: plans include the construction of a third terminal, which will allow it to handle even more flights and strengthen its status as a major transport hub for those wishing to explore the picturesque islands and beaches of the Andaman Sea.

Krabi Airport (KBV), despite its relatively small size, offers passengers everything necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminals, you will find several cafes and restaurants where you can grab a quick sandwich and coffee or have a full meal, trying local Thai cuisine. For those wishing to buy gifts or souvenirs, there are shops offering locally produced products, as well as standard Duty Free outlets with perfumes, beverages, and confectionery.

For a more comfortable wait before departure, you can use the services of premium lounges. They offer comfortable seating, snacks, drinks, and a quieter atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or work. Special areas are also equipped where you can easily charge your electronic devices before the flight.

To handle financial matters, the airport provides currency exchange points and ATMs, which is especially convenient for tourists who have just arrived in Thailand. In case of unforeseen health situations, a medical point operates within the terminal to provide first aid.

The airport also cares for the youngest travellers: a mother and child room is equipped for passengers with children. For people with disabilities, an accessible environment has been created, including ramps and specially equipped toilets. If necessary, you can request an escort service through the airport territory in advance.

Although there is no hotel directly inside the airport building, several hotels of various levels are located in the immediate vicinity, many of which offer transfers for their guests. Regarding business services, basic facilities such as internet access and quiet areas for work can be found in the VIP lounges. For holding full-scale meetings or conferences, it is better to use the conference rooms in one of the nearby hotels.

Krabi Airport (KBV) offers passengers several options for a snack or a full meal to wait for their flight in comfort. Catering establishments are located in both terminals — International (T1) and Domestic (T2), both in the public area (landside) and in the departure area after passing control (airside).

In the departure area after passport control, you will find several cafes and small restaurants. Here you can drink coffee, eat a sandwich, or order a hot meal. In the public area before check-in, there are also several establishments where you can sit with those seeing you off. The assortment at the airport is not as large as in major hubs, but it is quite sufficient to satisfy hunger.

If you want to enjoy the tastes of Thailand one last time, pay attention to establishments offering local cuisine. Here you can order classic dishes such as Pad Thai, fried rice, or Tom Yum soup. For those who prefer more familiar food, coffee shops like The Coffee Club or Black Canyon Coffee operate, serving quality coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and European breakfasts.

Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in the city, so be prepared to pay a little more for lunch. Most establishments are open from early morning until the last flight departs. Regarding dietary preferences, vegetarians will find it easy to find suitable dishes, as Thai cuisine is rich in vegetable options. Finding certified Halal or gluten-free dishes might be more challenging, but it is always worth clarifying the ingredients with the staff.

For a quick snack, coffee shops and kiosks with ready-made food are ideal, where you can take a sandwich, croissant, or drink with you. If you have time for a full lunch, it is better to choose one of the small restaurants in the main departure hall, where you can sit calmly and order a hot dish from the menu, enjoying your final moments in Krabi province.

Planning is the key to a calm start and end to your journey. To ensure your visit to Krabi Airport goes smoothly, make use of these tips.

Arrival Time: Krabi Airport serves many popular destinations, so it can be crowded during the high season. We recommend arriving 2.5-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you enough time for check-in, baggage drop, and passing through control without unnecessary haste.

Check-in and Security: To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides this option. Keep your passport, visa (if required), and boarding pass ready at the airport. The screening procedure is standard, but be prepared in advance to remove all electronic devices and liquid containers from your hand luggage.

Seat Selection: If you are flying out of Krabi, try to get a window seat on the left side of the aircraft (seats marked 'A'). In clear weather, shortly after take-off, you may be treated to breathtaking views of the famous limestone karst cliffs and the Andaman Sea coast.

Hand Luggage: Standard security rules prohibit carrying liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, as well as sharp objects. Pay attention to local Thailand regulations: for example, there are restrictions on exporting Buddha statues (usually over 13 cm), and some airlines prohibit carrying durian due to its strong smell. Always check the rules of your specific airline.

Passengers with Connections: Although Krabi Airport is not a major transit hub, connections are possible here. For domestic flights, the process is usually quick. If you have an international connection, be prepared that you may need to pass through passport control, collect your luggage, and check it in again. Carefully study the information on your tickets and the signs in the terminal.

Customs Control: Upon arrival in Thailand or when departing, proceed through the "Green Channel" if you have nothing to declare, or through the "Red Channel" if you are carrying goods subject to declaration (for example, large sums of cash or items requiring an export permit). Keep receipts for expensive purchases.

Saving Time and Money: Book a transfer from the airport in advance or use official taxi services to avoid inflated prices. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are higher than in the city, so you can have a snack beforehand. Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you — it can be filled after passing security control.

In Case of Flight Delay: First of all, contact your airline representative for the latest information. There are several cafes and shops in the airport where you can spend time. Keep all receipts for forced expenses (food, drinks) — they may be needed to receive compensation from the airline in case of long delays.