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Phitsanulok Airport

About the Airport

Phitsanulok Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Phitsanulok Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a cosy aerial gateway into the historic heart of Thailand. Located just a few minutes' drive from the city centre, it welcomes travellers with a calm atmosphere that differs strikingly from the hustle and bustle of capital hubs. An introduction to the province begins here: many tourists fly in to see the famous Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat temple or to journey further to ancient Sukhothai.

IATA Code PHS
ICAO Code VTPP
City Phitsanulok
Distance to Centre ~3-5 km
Status Domestic
Annual Passengers ~341,000 (based on 2023 data)

Despite its compact size, the air harbour possesses everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight.

Features and Advantages:

The main advantage of the airport is its intimacy and convenience. Thanks to low passenger traffic, check-in and security procedures are very quick, without the long queues characteristic of Bangkok. The terminal is equipped with basic infrastructure: there are small coffee shops, souvenir stalls, and shops selling local products.

Transport accessibility is also excellent. You can reach your hotel by taxi, tuk-tuk, or rental car—counters for rental companies are located right in the arrivals area. Boarding is often done by walking across the tarmac, giving passengers the opportunity to take impressive photos against the backdrop of the liner and the tropical sky.

Contact Information

To contact representatives of Phitsanulok Airport (PHS), please use the following contact information:

  • Official Website: phitsanulok.airportthai.co.th
  • Information Desk Phone: +66 55 301 060
  • Airport Address: 73 Sanambin Road, Aranyik, Mueang Phitsanulok District, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
  • Email: phs@airportthai.co.th
  • Social Media: Official Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/Phitsanulokairport
  • Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to checked baggage, you should first contact your airline's representative. If you have lost personal items within the terminal, please contact the airport information desk.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For any necessary assistance or information, please contact the general airport information phone number.

How to Get to the Airport

Phitsanulok Airport (PHS) is located just a few kilometres south of the city centre of Phitsanulok, making the journey there quick and convenient. Travellers can choose from several ways to reach the terminal, depending on their budget, time, and preferences. In general, the trip from the city centre takes no more than 15–20 minutes.

Taxi and Tuk-tuk are the most popular and simple ways to get to the airport. A trip by metered taxi will cost approximately 150–200 Baht. Alternatively, you can hire a traditional Thai tuk-tuk—this is a more colourful experience, but the price should be agreed upon with the driver in advance. The cost is usually comparable to a taxi. You can also use ride-hailing apps, such as Grab, which allows you to know the fixed price before the journey begins.

Public transport options in Thailand can be specific. There is no direct bus route to Phitsanulok Airport; however, route pickup trucks known as songthaews operate around the city. Some of their routes pass near the airport, but this option may be inconvenient if you have a lot of luggage. It is more suitable for budget travellers ready for a small adventure.

If you plan to actively explore the region, car rental would be a good solution. Many rental companies have offices both in the city and at the airport, allowing you to pick up a car in one place and return it in another. This ensures maximum freedom of movement. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, parking is available on the premises where transport can be left for a short or long term.

Terminals and Map

The airport of Phitsanulok (PHS) is a compact and convenient aviation hub, making navigation intuitive even for first-time visitors. Its structure is simple and will not cause difficulties for travellers.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic flights within Thailand and rare international charters. Due to this, there is no need to transfer between terminals—all zones are located in one building. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated, usually on different floors. The first floor typically houses the arrival hall with baggage claim belts and car rental counters, while the second floor houses the departure zone.

The terminal layout is logical: upon entering the building, you find yourself in the check-in area where airline counters are located. After receiving a boarding pass, passengers pass through the security checkpoint and enter the secure area—the waiting lounge with boarding gates. Thanks to the airport's small size, the entire process from check-in to boarding rarely takes much time. Typically, 30-40 minutes is sufficient to complete all formalities, though it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure to avoid rushing.

For ease of navigation, signs in Thai and English are installed throughout the terminal. Airport staff are friendly and always ready to help if you have questions. It is practically impossible to get lost here, making Phitsanulok Airport an excellent starting point for travelling through the country's northern regions.

Airport History

Phitsanulok Airport (PHS) is not just a civil transport hub, but a facility with a rich history that also serves as an active military base. Its importance for the province of Phitsanulok and the entire lower northern region of Thailand is hard to overestimate.

The history of the airfield began in the 1940s when it was established as a military facility. Over time, it became an important base for the Royal Thai Air Force, and today, Wing 46 is stationed here. It was this military past that laid the foundation for the future development of the airport, providing it with initial infrastructure.

With the growth of economic and tourist appeal in Phitsanulok, the need for civil aviation development arose. The airport began to gradually transform to accept commercial flights. Over the decades, it underwent stages of modernisation: the runway was extended and strengthened to service larger aircraft, and navigation equipment was updated in accordance with international standards.

A key milestone in the modern history of the airport was the opening of a new passenger terminal in 2015. This large-scale reconstruction was aimed at increasing capacity and improving comfort for travellers. Thanks to this, the airport demonstrated significant growth: while in 2013 it served about 688,000 passengers, after modernisation its capacity grew to 2 million people per year, allowing it to accept more flights from Bangkok and other key cities.

One of the most interesting facts about the airport is its dual purpose. Passengers waiting for boarding can often observe the takeoff and landing of military aircraft, creating a unique atmosphere. Thanks to its strategic location, the airport serves as a convenient gateway for tourists heading to the famous historical parks of Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Services and Facilities

The airport of Phitsanulok (PHS) is a compact and functional aviation hub, serving mainly domestic flights within Thailand. Despite its modest size, it offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait before departure.

In the terminal, you will find several cafes and eateries where you can have coffee, grab a sandwich, or try local dishes. Small shops are also operating, offering souvenirs, travel goods, and snacks. The selection here is not as large as in international airports, but sufficient to pass the time before a flight.

Free Wi-Fi is available for passengers, allowing you to stay connected. Charging stations for electronic devices can be found in the waiting lounge, though their number may be limited. Specialised VIP lounges or airline lounges are rare here; for information on access to premium comfort zones, it is best to consult your airline representative.

Financial services are represented by ATMs and a currency exchange point, where major world currencies can be exchanged for Thai Baht. For emergency assistance, there is a medical point at the airport. Passengers with children have access to mother and child rooms, and for people with disabilities, ramps and specially equipped toilets are provided, ensuring a barrier-free environment.

There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, however, many accommodation options are located in the city of Phitsanulok itself, just a 10-15 minute drive from the terminal. Specialised business centres or conference halls are absent from the terminal building.

Where to Eat

The airport of Phitsanulok (PHS) is a small regional aviation hub, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest, yet sufficient for a quick bite before departure. Most options are concentrated in the single terminal and consist of small cafes and kiosks with snacks. Do not expect large restaurants or food courts here as you would in international airports.

The main part of the establishments is located in the general area (landside), accessible before passing security control. Here you will find several cafes where you can order coffee, tea, refreshing drinks, sandwiches, and pastries. This is the best place for a more substantial snack. In the departure zone (airside), after passport control, the choice is usually limited to one or two small kiosks offering drinks and packaged snacks. Opening hours generally align with the flight schedule: they open shortly before the first departure and close after the last plane leaves.

Although the assortment is limited, this is a good opportunity to try simple Thai dishes. Look out for kiosks preparing noodles or chicken rice—this is a great option for a quick and filling lunch. Prices at the airport are slightly higher than in the city but remain quite affordable by Thailand standards. Please note that specialized options, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or Halal dishes, will be extremely difficult to find. Passengers with strict dietary requirements are advised to bring food with them.

For a quick snack, ready-made sandwiches, buns, or crisps, which can be bought in any of the cafes, are ideal. If you have time for a full lunch, it is best to do so in the general area before check-in, where the choice of dishes is slightly wider. In general, for greater variety and better prices, it is recommended to eat in the city of Phitsanulok before travelling to the airport.

Traveller Tips

When planning a trip through the airport of Phitsanulok, use our tips to make your journey as comfortable as possible. This is a small and convenient aviation hub, serving mainly domestic flights within Thailand.

Arrival Time and Check-in. We recommend arriving at the airport 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight departure. This time is quite sufficient to complete all formalities without haste. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website if such an option is available. The security screening process here usually goes faster than in major international hubs.

Hand Luggage and Seat Selection. Rules for carrying hand luggage are standard: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects and flammable substances are prohibited. When choosing a seat on the plane, note that window seats will offer you picturesque views of central Thailand during takeoff and landing, while aisle seats provide more legroom and freedom of movement.

Connecting Passengers and Customs. Phitsanulok Airport is not a major transit hub. If you have a transfer planned, you will likely need to collect your luggage and check in again for the next flight. Customs control is relevant mainly for rare international flights and follows the standard scheme with "green" and "red" channels.

Saving Time and Money. The easiest way to save time is online check-in. To avoid overpaying for transport, use official taxi counters in the arrival hall or mobile apps. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are higher than in the city, so you might consider eating beforehand.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, contact an airline representative for current information and instructions. Depending on the length of the wait, you may be offered drinks or meals. There are several cafes and shops in the terminal, as well as free Wi-Fi, to pass the time. We recommend carrying a portable charger for your gadgets.

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