Loei Airport

Loei Airport serves as a welcoming aerial gateway to one of Thailand's most picturesque and distinctive provinces, often referred to as the "Siberia" of the Kingdom due to its refreshing cool climate. This is a place where, instead of endless corridors and the bustle of giant hubs, you are greeted by a tranquil, almost home-like atmosphere and views of verdant hills, heralding your encounter with Phu Kradueng National Park. Upon arrival, tourists find themselves just a step away from unique natural attractions and the authentic culture of the country's northeast, bypassing tiring overland journeys.

Airport Features and Advantages

Despite its modest size, the Loei air hub possesses a number of advantages appreciated by travellers:

• Exceptional proximity to the city: The airport is located literally 5 kilometres from the centre, allowing you to reach your hotel or the start of your tourist route in a matter of minutes.
• Swift procedures: Thanks to the compact terminal, the journey from the aircraft stairs to the city exit with luggage takes minimum time, and queues at check-in are a rarity here.
• Scenic landing approach: Flying into Loei offers aesthetic pleasure even before landing — stunning panoramas of mountain ranges and rice fields open up from the window.
• Convenient navigation: The intuitive layout eliminates the possibility of getting lost, making the flight comfortable even for inexperienced tourists.

• Official Website: loei.airports.go.th
• Help Desk Phone: +66 42 844 133
• Airport Address: Na An, Mueang Loei District, Loei 42000, Thailand
• Email: loei@airports.go.th
• Social Media: Official Facebook Page
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost luggage, it is recommended to first contact your airline's representative office. You may also contact the airport help desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general enquiries and assistance, please use the help desk phone number.

Loei Airport (LOE) is located very close to the city centre of Loei, making the journey there quick and convenient. On average, the trip takes about 15-20 minutes. You can reach the terminal in several ways, the choice of which depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences.

Taxi and Songthaew

The simplest and most predictable way to get to the airport is by taxi. A car can be ordered at your hotel or found in the city. The ride will be fast and comfortable, though it is the most expensive option. A more authentic and budget-friendly method is the songthaew, a local minibus in the form of a pickup truck with benches. They ply the city and its surroundings. Although they do not have a strict route to the airport, you can always negotiate a trip with the driver. It is strongly recommended to discuss the cost of the trip with both taxi drivers and songthaew drivers in advance to avoid misunderstandings.

Car Rental

For independent travellers wishing to explore the picturesque province of Loei and other corners of Thailand, renting a car is an excellent solution. Rental counters are available both in the city and directly at the airport. This gives you freedom of movement and allows you to plan your route at your own discretion. To rent, you will likely need an international driving permit.

Public Transport and Parking

Specialised public buses following a "city — airport" route are generally absent in Loei. The role of public transport is fulfilled by songthaews. If you are driving to the airport in your own or a rented car, parking is available within the airport grounds. Options for both short-term and long-term parking are usually available, which is convenient if you are leaving the car for the duration of your absence.

Loei Airport (LOE) is a compact regional airport in Thailand, the structure of which is extremely simple and convenient for passengers. You won't have to worry about complex navigation or long walks, making it an excellent starting point for travelling around the north of the country.

The airport operates one passenger terminal serving all flights. It is a single-storey building combining departure and arrival zones. This layout eliminates the need for transfers between terminals and makes orientation intuitive even for those visiting for the first time.

The terminal map is very simple. Upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the main hall where airline check-in counters are located. Essential amenities are situated to the left and right of them. The departure zone includes a security checkpoint, followed by a small waiting lounge with several boarding gates. The arrival zone is an adjacent room with a baggage claim belt and an exit to the city, where taxi and car rental counters are located.

Due to its small size and moderate passenger flow, completing all pre-flight procedures here takes minimum time. Flight check-in and security screening usually take no more than 15-20 minutes. Despite this, the standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5 hours before departure to calmly drop off luggage and complete formalities.

For navigation, simply follow the signs, which are duplicated in English. All key points — from check-in counters to the waiting lounge — are within a few minutes' walk of each other. It is practically impossible to get lost in Loei Airport, allowing you to focus on your upcoming journey.

The history of Loei Airport (LOE) began in 1974, when it was officially opened as a small regional airfield. From day one, its main mission was to establish reliable air connections between the picturesque but previously inaccessible province of Loei in northern Thailand and the country's capital, Bangkok. This step became a strategically important decision that gave a powerful boost to the development of local tourism and the economy, making the region's unique natural beauties accessible to travellers.

A key stage in the airport's development occurred in the 2010s. As part of a large-scale modernisation completed in 2015, a modern and spacious passenger terminal was built. Its area covered 3,500 square metres, allowing capacity to increase to 300 passengers per hour. Simultaneously, the runway was significantly improved — it was extended to 2,100 metres, enabling the reception of larger modern aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, used by popular low-cost carriers.

Although there are no loud world records in the history of Loei Airport, its main achievement is the successful fulfilment of its role as an "aerial gateway" to a unique region. It opened the way to famous places such as Phu Kradueng National Park and to distinctive cultural events, for example, the colourful Phi Ta Khon festival. An interesting fact: the airport's operations have a distinct seasonal character. The load on it increases manifold during the winter months and national holidays, when tourists from all over the country flock to Loei to enjoy its cool climate, often referred to as the "Switzerland of Thailand".

Loei Airport (LOE) is a small regional airport serving domestic flights in Thailand. Despite its compact size, it offers passengers a basic set of services for a comfortable wait before departure. In the terminal, you will find several small cafés and snack bars where you can have coffee and a bite to eat before your flight. There are also souvenir shops selling local goods and gifts — a great opportunity to buy something as a memento of Loei province.

Common waiting halls are equipped at the airport for a comfortable pre-flight wait. Specialised VIP halls and business lounges are generally absent, which is typical for small airports. Passengers can use free Wi-Fi to stay connected, as well as find charging stations for mobile devices in the main waiting areas.

Financial services are represented by ATMs where cash can be withdrawn. Currency exchange points may be limited or absent, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance in major cities. A medical point operates within the airport grounds to provide first aid. For passengers with children, mother and child rooms are provided, and for travellers with reduced mobility, a barrier-free environment has been created, including ramps and specially equipped toilets. Airport staff are always ready to provide necessary assistance.

There are no hotels directly within the Loei Airport grounds. However, many accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to comfortable hotels, can be found in the city itself, which is located just a few minutes' drive away. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are absent in the terminal building, so for business meetings, it is better to use the services of hotels in the city.

Loei Airport (LOE) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest, but sufficient for a snack before departure. Dining options are mainly concentrated in the public hall before security control.

Typically, several small cafés and kiosks operate at the airport. Here you can find a basic set of services for a traveller: buy bottled water, carbonated drinks, coffee and tea, as well as various packaged snacks such as crisps, biscuits, and nuts. This is an ideal option for those with little time before their flight.

For those wishing to try something from the local cuisine at the last moment, some cafés may offer simple but authentic dishes. Look out for options such as fried rice (khao pad), pad thai noodles, or light soups. You can also find local desserts, for example, sticky rice with mango (in season) or sweet coconut pancakes. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the flavours of Thailand before flying out.

If you are looking for a full lunch or dinner, it is recommended to eat in the city before travelling to the airport, as the choice of dishes in the terminal building itself is limited. Establishments at the airport are more suitable for a quick snack. Their opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule: they open a few hours before the first departure and close after the last aircraft has departed.

Passengers with strict dietary restrictions (vegans, gluten-free diet) should be prepared for the fact that finding suitable dishes will be difficult. Specialised offerings are unlikely to be available here. The most reliable option would be to bring food with you or limit yourself to buying fresh fruit if available.

When planning a departure from the airport in Loei city, consider its small size. For domestic flights within Thailand, it is generally sufficient to arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time is enough to check in, drop off luggage, and pass pre-flight screening without rushing, as these procedures happen quite quickly here.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this facility. This will allow you to either proceed straight to boarding (if you have no luggage) or head to a special baggage drop-off counter, bypassing the general check-in queue.

When choosing a seat on the plane, note that window seats will gift you scenic views of the mountain landscapes of Loei province as a farewell. Aisle seats ensure more convenience and freedom of movement during the flight.

Standard hand luggage rules apply here as well. Remember the restrictions on liquids (in containers no larger than 100 ml), as well as the ban on carrying sharp objects. Always check baggage allowances on your airline's website to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Loei Airport serves only domestic flights, so it is not a transit hub. If you have a self-transfer planned, be sure to allocate enough time to collect luggage and check in again. There is no customs control here, as you are already within the country.

To save money, book tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. Travelling with only hand luggage also often helps reduce the cost of the flight with budget airlines. A pre-booked transfer from the airport may turn out to be cheaper than a taxi taken on the spot.

In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representatives for information. Since the airport is small, opportunities for a long wait are limited. It is recommended to carry a charged power bank, a book, or downloaded films to pass the time. There is a small café in the terminal where you can have a snack.