Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
History, Facts and Overview

(Bangkok, Thailand)

The city of Bangkok planned its new Suvarnabhumi Airport for many decades to replace the over stretched Don Mueang International Airport, and the NBIA (New Bangkok International Airport Company) was formed in 1996 to manage this project.

Construction finally began in 1997, when clearance of the marshy site started. However, the land reclamation lasted around five years before any actual building work could start. In 2005, the Airports of Thailand PLC was formed and although Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) was due to open the same year, due to many delays it was not actually opened until September 2006.


ATMs and currency exchange services are located in several places around the terminal and are open 24 hours. Internet access is available, although it is rather expensive. Other facilities at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport include restaurants, a Thai food court, 24-hour bars, duty-free shops and numerous other retail outlets. Luggage trolleys are readily available, but cannot be brought with you once you pass through the Immigration area.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has a small office here, as does the Thai Hotel Association. The rates offered by the Thai Hotel Association are generally better than walk-in rates at the hotels, but not as low as booking online in advance. The Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel Bangkok is located at the airport, across from the passenger terminal, and is connected by an underground walkway. The hotel features more than 600 guest rooms and provides a range of business and conference facilities.