Pai Airport

Pai Airport (PYY) is not just a runway, but an aerial gateway to one of the most cosy and picturesque corners of northern Thailand. It can be described as one of the smallest and most charming airports in the country, perfectly reflecting the relaxed atmosphere of the town itself. Landing here marks the beginning of an adventure surrounded by green hills and rice paddies, bypassing the multi-hour journey along the winding mountain roads from Chiang Mai. Although scheduled services to the airport can be inconsistent, it remains an important point on the map for private aviation and potential future flights.

The airport's main advantage is its fantastic location. It is situated just a couple of kilometres from the centre of Pai, allowing you to reach your hotel in literally 5-10 minutes by taxi or rented scooter. It is a tiny airport devoid of the hustle and long queues typical of major aviation hubs. The check-in and security screening process is incredibly fast and conducted in a friendly environment.

It is important to note that the airport's operation depends directly on the availability of airlines willing to operate flights to the short runway. Over the years, air service has resumed and ceased intermittently. Therefore, please ensure you check the current schedule before planning your trip. Even if regular flights are unavailable, the very existence of an airport within walking distance of the town makes Pai a unique and easily accessible destination for future travels.

There are several ways to contact representatives of Pai Airport (PYY). Given that it is a small regional airport, some services may be combined or unavailable.

• Official Website: The airport does not have a separate website. Current information and news are published on the official Facebook page: facebook.com/PaiAirportTH.
• Information Desk Phone: +66 53 699 238. You can call this number to check schedules and obtain general information.
• Airport Address: Wiang Tai, Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand.
• Email: A dedicated email address for passengers is not provided. It is recommended to use the telephone or social networks for communication.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline representatives directly. Airport services do not handle luggage tracing.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For enquiries and assistance, please contact the general airport information desk phone number.

Getting to Pai Airport (PYY) from the centre of the eponymous town in Thailand is a simple and quick task, as the air harbour is located just a couple of kilometres from the main tourist street. The journey typically takes no more than 5–10 minutes, and the choice of transport depends on your budget and the amount of luggage you have.

The most authentic and popular mode of transport in Pai is the motorcycle taxi or Songthaew (a pickup truck with two benches in the back). Motorcycle taxis are ideal for solo travellers with a backpack — they are fast and very cheap (approximately 50-100 Baht). A Songthaew can be hired as a private taxi, which is convenient for a small group or a family with suitcases. The cost of such a trip will be slightly higher, and it should be negotiated with the driver in advance.

A more comfortable, albeit more expensive option, is to book a private transfer. This can be arranged at most hotels or at any of the numerous travel agencies in town. The driver will pick you up at the appointed time and deliver you directly to the terminal. Classic metered taxis are rare in Pai, so pre-booking is the most reliable way to secure a car.

Many tourists prefer to explore the surroundings of Pai on a rented scooter or car. If you have your own transport, you can easily drive to the airport yourself. The road is simple and well-marked. Parking at the airport is usually free and consists of a small open lot where spaces are always available. This is a very convenient option if you plan to return the vehicle right before your flight.

Traveller's Tip: If you are travelling light and staying near the centre, you can even walk to the airport. The walk will take about 20–30 minutes and allow you to enjoy the leisurely atmosphere of this amazing place one last time. Regardless of the chosen method, always confirm the cost of the trip before it begins to avoid misunderstandings.

Pai Airport (PYY) is a small and very compact regional airport serving the town of the same name and its surrounding areas. Its layout is maximally simple, making navigation intuitively clear even for first-time visitors.

The airport has only one small terminal, which simultaneously serves both arriving and departing flights. The terminal building is a single-story structure where all functional zones are within walking distance of each other. There are no complex diagrams, long corridors, or transfers between terminals here — everything is located in one common space.

The departure and arrival zones are effectively parts of the same hall. Upon arrival, you enter a small area for baggage claim, which usually proceeds very quickly. The departure zone includes several check-in counters and a single security screening point. After passing control, passengers enter a small waiting lounge with a boarding gate. It is practically impossible to get lost here.

Thanks to the airport's compactness and the small number of flights, all pre-flight formalities, including check-in and security screening, take a minimum amount of time. Generally, arriving at the airport one hour before departure is sufficient. This provides ample time to check in and drop off luggage without rushing. The atmosphere at Pai Airport is more reminiscent of a small bus station, adding to its charm and making the journey more relaxed.

The history of Pai Airport (PYY) is unique and closely intertwined with the history of the town itself. Its origins are not linked to the development of tourism — the runway was first built here during World War II by the Japanese army. Initially, it was used for military purposes to transport soldiers and supplies in this remote mountainous region of Thailand.

After the war, the airfield was abandoned for decades. A new life for it began only with the growth of Pai's popularity as a tourist destination in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. To improve transport accessibility to the town, the authorities of Thailand decided to modernise the old strip. In the early 2000s, a major reconstruction was carried out: the dirt surface was replaced with asphalt, the runway was widened and lengthened, and a small but functional passenger terminal capable of serving domestic flights was built.

The official opening for commercial aviation became an important milestone in the development of tourism in Pai. However, the airport's operation has always been characterized by instability: airlines would launch and then cancel flights, mainly due to seasonal profitability. The airport's main achievement can be considered not passenger traffic records, but the very possibility of reaching the town quickly and comfortably, bypassing the exhausting multi-hour journey along the famous "road of 762 curves" from Chiang Mai.

Among the interesting facts are its compact dimensions. The short runway, approximately 1,000 metres long, imposes restrictions on the types of aircraft it can accept. Only small propeller planes, such as the Cessna Caravan, can fly here. Thus, the airport of Pai remains an important part of the infrastructure and a symbol of how a former military site can turn into a gateway to one of the most picturesque corners of Southeast Asia.

Pai Airport (PYY) is a small regional airport serving the town of the same name in northern Thailand. Given its compact size and focus on domestic flights, the range of services here is basic and designed to meet the essential needs of passengers before departure.

Restaurants, Shops, and Lounges. The airport infrastructure is quite modest. You will not find large restaurants or duty-free shops here. Passengers may be offered a small kiosk with drinks and light snacks. There are no separate VIP halls or business lounges at the airport; all passengers wait for their flight in the general hall.

Facilities and Services. Opportunities for charging electronic devices and Wi-Fi access may be limited, so it is recommended to charge gadgets in advance. There are no bank branches, currency exchange points, or ATMs in the terminal building — all financial transactions are best completed in the town of Pai. Specialized medical points, mother and child rooms, or business centres are also not provided. Passengers with reduced mobility are advised to coordinate necessary assistance with airline representatives in advance.

Accommodation. There are no hotels within the airport grounds, however, since it is located in close proximity to the town, finding suitable accommodation is not difficult. Many hotels, guesthouses, and bungalows are located just a few minutes' drive from the terminal.

Pai Airport (PYY) is a small regional airport, and dining options here correspond to its compact size. Do not expect a large food court with global chains; instead, passengers have access to one or two small establishments offering a basic range of services for a comfortable wait.

Typically, a small café or kiosk operates in the main and only terminal of the airport. Here you can purchase coffee, tea, bottled water, and other soft drinks. The food selection usually consists of packaged snacks, such as crisps, biscuits, and possibly simple sandwiches or fresh pastries. This is an excellent option for a quick snack before boarding.

Sometimes in such cafés, you can find simple local dishes, for example, mango sticky rice (in season) or other Thai sweets that are convenient to take away. However, travellers with strict dietary restrictions (vegans, vegetarians, people with gluten intolerance) should be prepared for the fact that specialised dishes will likely not be available here. The best solution would be to eat in town or bring food with you.

Prices at Pai Airport are slightly higher than in the town itself but remain quite affordable. The opening hours of catering establishments are directly tied to the flight schedule — they open shortly before the first departure and close after the last one leaves. All food outlets are located in the general terminal hall, accessible to both departing passengers and those seeing them off.

Thus, Pai Airport is suitable for a quick snack or coffee before departure. If you are counting on a full lunch or dinner, it is strongly recommended to do so at one of the numerous cafés and restaurants in Pai itself before travelling to the airport.

Travelling through Pai Airport is an experience completely unlike the bustle of major international hubs. This small and cosy air terminal mainly serves short flights connecting the picturesque town with other parts of Thailand. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, make use of these tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Given the modest size of the airport, there are no long queues here. Arriving 1–1.5 hours before departure will be more than sufficient. Check-in and security procedures are very quick and conducted in a calm atmosphere, allowing you to avoid unnecessary stress before the flight.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. Flights from Pai are usually operated on small turboprop aircraft. If possible, choose a window seat — breathtaking views of the mountains open up during the flight. Regarding hand luggage, remember standard restrictions: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and sharp objects are prohibited. Bear in mind that overhead bins in such planes are small, so it is better to travel with a compact backpack rather than a bulky suitcase.

Transfers and Customs. Pai Airport serves exclusively domestic flights, so there is no customs or passport control here. If you are flying with a connection, for example, via Chiang Mai, you will need to collect your luggage and undergo check-in and security screening again at the next airport. There is no transit zone provided in Pai.

Savings and Useful Tricks. To save money, book tickets in advance, especially during the high tourist season (from November to February). Travel light to avoid extra charges for excess weight, as luggage allowance rules can be strict on small planes. The selection of food and drinks at the airport is very limited, so bring a bottle of water and a light snack with you.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay? The airport infrastructure is minimal, so in case of a delay, it is better to have a book, a charged power bank, or other entertainment with you. Flights in mountainous areas may depend on weather conditions. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, immediately contact the airline representative to clarify further actions — you may be offered an alternative flight or another way to reach your destination, for example, by minivan.