DON MUEANG AIRPORT (DMK) INFORMATION

Don Mueang International Airport (IATA code: DMK) is one of two international airports serving Bangkok, second to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Before Suvarnabhumi's opening in 2006, Don Mueang was known as Bangkok International Airport.

The airport is considered one of the world's oldest international airports. Asia's oldest operating airport officially opened its doors as a Royal Thai Air Force base in the early months of 1914. However, commercial flights began in 1924, which made it globally known to have one of the oldest airstrips.

Don Mueang Airport has two terminals; Terminal 1 is for international flights, and Terminal 2 is for domestic and regional flights. The terminals are inter-connected with an exterior crystal glass which is also an elevated pathway. An external path was also featured that is connected to the Amari hotel.

The KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was recorded as the first commercial flight to land at the airport.

Unfortunately, in September 2006, Don Mueang International Airport ended its operations. It was replaced by the newly opened and modernized Suvarnabhumi Airport before reopening on March 24, 2007, after renovations.

Since opening the new airport, it has become a regional commuter flight hub and an existing low-cost airline hub.

Don Mueang Airport is one of the world's largest low-cost carrier airports. It also formerly carried the BKK IATA code, which was afterward transferred to Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The airport was a vital hub in Asia and the hub of Thai Airways International before its closure for public use. At its peak, Don Mueang served most air traffic in Thailand, with about 80 airlines operating more than 160,000 flights and handling millions of passengers.

The airport was also considered one of the busiest airports in Asia by passenger volume. Don Mueang is the primary operating hub for Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, and Thai Lion Air.

The airport administration is now projecting innovation as a coping mechanism toward modernized facilities within the airport premises. The construction project includes a new terminal building catering to about 18 million passengers yearly.

This 39 billion baht project will also upgrade Terminals 1 and 2 to handle 22 million domestic passengers with an overall airport capacity of 30 to 40 million annually.

History of Don Mueang International Airport

Don Mueang was the second established landing field in Thailand, next to Sa Pathum airfield. Sa Pathum is operating as a horse racing course called the Royal Bangkok Sports Club.

The first flights to Don Mueang Airport happened in the early days of March 1914 by the Royal Thai Air Force's aircraft.

In 1911, Thailand sent three army officers to France for a pilot training program. In the same year, as they ended their training, the pilots were given the authority to buy eight aircraft, four Breguets and Nieuports, formed as the local air force's foundation.

In February 1911, Sa Pathum airfield was established with the arrival of Orville Wright, brother of Wilbur Wright, an American aviator pioneering the invention of the first airplane on December 17, 1903.

In 1933, the landing field was the scene of heavy fighting between royalists and government forces during the Boworadet Rebellion. The airport was used by the occupying Japanese during World War II. It was bombed and strafed by Allied aircraft on several occasions.

In September 1945, the Thai Royal Air Force (RAF) took over the airfield during the brief British occupation of Thailand until March 1946.

During the Vietnam War, Don Mueang's airstrip was a significant command and logistics hub of the United States Air Force.

In May 2005, Thai Airways International had non-stop services to New York City through Airbus A340-500s. It operated from Suvarnabhumi Airport from September 2006 until Thai Airways ceased serving New York in 2008.

The night of September 27 to 28, 2006, was the official closure of Don Mueang airport.

Before the opening of the current Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang was the first to use the IATA airport code BKK. When Suvarnabhumi opened for commercial flights, the code was transferred to the airport. Don Mueang now uses the airport code DMK. However, it retains the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) airport format, VTBD.

Presently, Terminal 1 is capable of handling about 18.5 million passengers annually.

On September 7, 2013, Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced its three billion baht renovation project to reopen Terminal 2 as of May 2014.

In 2013, the airport administration recorded that Terminal 1's passengers would likely reach 16 million against its capacity of more than 18 million.

The completion of Terminal 2 in December 2015 increased Don Mueang's passenger capacity to 30 million a year.

Don Mueang's 38 billion baht expansion project, in its third phase, is somehow planned to be completed shortly.

This expansion aims to increase the airport's passenger capacity to 48 million annually. The new 1,670,000 sq. ft. international Terminal 3 will accommodate 18 million passengers annually.

Transfer Services at Don Mueang International Airport

Several different transfer services are serving Don Mueang International Airport.

Car rentals, rideshares, taxis, shuttles, train rides, and buses are available for transport to and from the airport.

Inbound and outbound passengers are always recommended to check what items are allowed for hand-carry and check-in baggage. Also, securing personal belongings before and after boarding the aircraft is a must.

Rental Car Services at Don Mueang International Airport

Don Mueang International Airport has Car Rental Booths for interested renters. Rental booths are directly located in the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Renters must provide a valid driver's license or an international driver's license permit and be 21 years old and above. However, renters under 25 must pay a corresponding daily surcharge depending on the agency's policy. See and compare all rental car companies at Don Mueang International Airport.

Locals must present their valid Thai identification card and original driver's license. A completed contract is also needed to process the rental.

It is recommended for renters to pre-book their vehicle with their selected car rental company to get the confirmation code. Online payment is convenient for both the agency and the customer.

Renters must also be credit and debit cardholders to pay the rental. Car Rental Rates may vary depending upon the car agency and the selected vehicle.

Ride Shares at Don Mueang International Airport

Uber, Lyft, Grab, and other local rideshare companies have been serving Don Mueang International Airport.

However, passengers must download the company's application on their smart device to pre-book a vehicle.

Rideshare passengers should consider choosing the right vehicle size for their luggage and must be with other passengers.

Rideshare rates may vary depending upon the company, the chosen vehicle size, and the passenger's point of interest.

Taxis at Don Mueang International Airport

Taxis are available for transfer service to and from Don Mueang International Airport. They are accessible at the ground transportation area outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

The estimated minimum taxi fare from Don Mueang Airport to Bangkok City Center and vice versa costs ฿200.00. See more information about taxis at Don Mueang International Airport.

However, taxi fares may vary depending on the area's traffic condition.

Buses at Don Mueang International Airport

Bus services are available for transfer from Don Mueang International Airport to Mo Chit Station, Victory Monument, Lumphini Park, and Sanam Luang.

Don Mueang public buses can only pick up and drop off passengers at the ground transportation area outside of Terminals 1 and 2. More information about buses to and from Don Mueang International Airport.

Passengers may purchase their bus tickets from the driver upon boarding the vehicle.

The single-way regular bus fare is ฿30.00

A Shuttle bus is also available for transfer services from Don Mueang Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Passengers may board the free shuttle transfer on the first level of both passenger terminals at Don Mueang Airport.

Trains at Don Mueang International Airport

There are two nearby railway stations at Don Mueang International Airport.

Don Mueang Airport Railway Station and Don Mueang New Market Station are just walking distance from the airport terminals. More information about train services at Don Mueang International Airport.

Train tickets are sold at railway stations, and rates vary depending on the ticket class and category.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Don Mueang International Airport

Passengers can avail of hotel shuttle services upon pre-booking.

Therefore, it is recommended for Don Mueang passengers to contact their hotel accommodations for shuttle reservations.

Non-hotel shuttle services are also accessible at the airport. However, corresponding rates may apply depending upon the passenger's negotiation with the service provider.

Parking at Don Mueang International Airport

Don Mueang International Airport has three car park areas for inbound and outbound passengers; three-story and seven-story car park buildings and the car pick-up point.

However, parking rates vary depending upon the customer's chosen car park area and the duration of stay inside the facility. See more information about short and long term parking at Don Mueang International Airport.

The standard parking rate at the airport starts at ฿20.00 per hour.

Other Services at Don Mueang International Airport

WiFi at Don Mueang International Airport

Don Mueang International Airport provides complimentary WiFi for passengers.

Internet access is possible within the airport terminal for a maximum of two hours through the "AirportTrueFreeWiFi" network.

ATMs at Don Mueang International Airport

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available on Terminals 1 and 2.

Currency exchange at Don Mueang International Airport

Don Mueang International Airport has several different banks that offer currency exchange services. They are available at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Nursing Stations at Don Mueang International Airport

There are no exclusive nursing or lactation rooms for mothers. However, there are baby care facilities in some public restrooms in the airport.

Restrooms at Don Mueang International Airport

Public restrooms at Don Mueang Airport are located in pre-and post-security areas of Terminals 1 and 2.

Food and Beverages at Don Mueang International Airport

Ranges of food concessions and fast food outlets are available at Terminals 1 and 2.

Smoking at Don Mueang International Airport

All Don Mueang Airport indoor smoking zones have been closed. Smoking is prohibited within the airport premises.

Pet-Relief Area at Don Mueang International Airport

No designated spots exist for pets to relieve themselves within the airport grounds. However, customers who wish to bring their dogs on board need to inform the airport and the airline they will be flying with to obtain permission.

Before departure and arrival at Don Mueang International Airport, passengers traveling with pets must comply with specific criteria.

Lost and Found Section at Don Mueang International Airport

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 both include lost and found offices for passengers to turn in their lost belongings. If you've misplaced something, you can reach the airport's Lost & Found at +66 0 2535 1882.

Airport Communication Center at Don Mueang International Airport

Airport information counters are available on both Terminals 1 and 2.

Tourist Information Services such as the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and Thai Tourism Business Association are only available at Terminal 1.

Ticketing Services at Don Mueang International Airport

Ticketing services at Don Mueang International Airport have been expedited by installing new self-service kiosks. It has several self-service ticketing kiosks and plans to install more by the end of the year.

The airport has an online system that allows passengers to check in and print their boarding passes. The self-service kiosks allow passengers to quickly check-in and print their boarding passes.

Passengers may also obtain boarding passes from their airline ticket counter in the lobby.

AirAsia and other international flight carriers have their ticketing counters in Terminal 1.

Meanwhile, Terminal 2 handles ticketing services for all domestic flights, including Thai AirAsia, Nok Air R Airlines, Orient Thai, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Smile.

Baggage Claim at Don Mueang International Airport

Baggage claim areas are located on both terminals' first level of the Arrivals Area.

Self-service baggage carts are available near baggage carousels for easy and convenient luggage transport.

Disabled Passengers at Don Mueang International Airport

Disabled passengers of Don Mueang International Airport are provided with the necessary facilities; Passenger assistance, ramps, elevators, PWD restrooms, public telephones, and wheelchair accessibility.

Passengers with special needs must contact the airport or their airline provider ahead of time to address their concerns and prepare the necessary facilities before departing or upon arrival.

Don Mueang International Airport Contacts

Address: 222 Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd, Sanambin, Don Mueang, Bangkok, Thailand

General Phone: +66 2 535 1192

Lost and Found Phone: +66 2 535 1882

Official website: https://donmueang.airportthai.co.th/

Local Information

Drive on: Left

Electricity: 230V/50Hz

Plug: A, B, C

Currency: Thailand Baht, Thai Baht, Baht, THB, ฿

WiFi at Airport: Connect your device to the "AirportTrueFreeWiFi" network.