Bangkok Airport Terminals

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Suvarnabhumi Airport Terminals 

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport features one terminal building (Main terminal), listed among the world’s largest terminal buildings. Moreover, a new terminal was recently added to the BKK airport complex. Thus, SAT-1, or Midfield Concourse 1, opened its doors in September 2023 to reduce congestion in the main terminal. The Satellite terminal lies relatively close to the existing terminal. On the other hand, the vast Bangkok International Airport has three runways, and also boasts the world’s tallest control tower.

The Main Bangkok Airport Terminal

The Main Suvarnabhumi airport terminal is one of the biggest terminal buildings globally. It spreads over seven concourses (Concourses A, B, C, D, E, F, and G) and is innovatively designed. Its construction was completed in 2006 when the new Bangkok International Airport began operation, becoming the main airport in Bangkok and the busiest air hub in Thailand. Its terminal can be described as an on-earth space station or a giant ship floating between the runways. Indeed, its roof canopies resemble huge sails, giving a “sea ambiance” to the aviation hub. Others claim that the terminal’s design, when viewed from above, looks like two huge adjacent crosses. In any case, its high ceiling creates a sense of spaciousness, offering true relief during times when the airport gets crowded and packed. The ample daylight also contributes to a naturally lit and inviting atmosphere. Overall, it is a high-tech and modern terminal that still bears signs of Thai culture and traditions.

The Main Suvarnabhumi Airport Terminal’s Layout

The main terminal of Bangkok International Airport spreads over 5 levels. It houses both the domestic and the international arrivals and departures. However, domestic and international flights are handled by different parts of the terminal. Hence, the arrivals and departures floors are split into a domestic and an international zone. In detail, you can check out the layout of Bangkok airport terminal:

• 4th Level: Departures
• 3rd Level: Retail stores and amenities
• 2nd Level: Arrivals
• 1st Level: A small food court, bus ticket counters, taxi rank
• Basement: Airport Link Station, a convenience store, and currency exchange offices

Are you looking for a VAT refund office? You’ll spot them before reaching security control and immigration. Please note that security control is located on the mezzanine floor of Departures. On the other hand, if you are an international transit passenger with a domestic onward flight on a separate ticket, you must pass through immigration and re-check in. Please be aware that during peak hours, the immigration process may take up to 2 hours. Fortunately, fast-track immigration and security screening proceedings are available for business-class passengers, travelers with disabilities or over 70 years old, pregnant women, and passengers with infants.
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The Dining Facilities at Bangkok Airport Terminal

The Retail Stores at Bangkok Airport Terminal

The Available Lounges at Bangkok Airport Terminal

• The Wisdom (3rd Floor, Concourse A)
• King Power Space (4th Floor Concourses A and E)
• King Power The Atlas Club (4th Floor Concourse A)
• Miracle VIP (3rd Floor Concourse A)
• CIP/VIP Lounge (3rd floor Concourse F)
• The Royal Orchid Lounge
• Thai Royal First
• Thai Royal Orchid
• Thai Royal Silk
• SilverKris
• Emirates Lounge
• Air France Lounge
• Oman Air Lounge

The Suvarnabhumi Airport New Terminal

Bangkok airport satellite terminal goes by the name SAT-1 or Midfield Concourse 1 and is the newest addition to BKK airport’s premises along with a third runway. Bangkok International Airport is notorious for its long waiting lines and time-consuming procedures as it often gets overcrowded, having to handle more passengers and flights than it was designed for. Hence, the Suvarnabhumi airport satellite terminal’s main purpose is to decongest the overburdened main terminal.

SAT-1 spreads over 251,400 square meters, four floors, and two basement levels. Overall, it is more inspired by Thai artistic and architectural tradition. That being said, its dominant ambiance is modern and contemporary, and its design primarily aims at sustainability. Daylight plays a significant role at that terminal as well, enhancing its eco-friendly character. It’s worth mentioning that each floor follows an utterly different decorative pattern, which contributes to the terminal’s unique vibes.

Suvarnabhumi airport new terminal features 28 gates. Eight out of them can accommodate aircraft such as A380 and B747-8. It is equipped with smart bathrooms decorated with representations that reflect the area’s history. Meditation rooms, prayer rooms, and playgrounds are also to be found around the terminal. For the time being, SAT-1 handles flights operated by Thai AirAsia X and Thai Vietjet. 

Explicitly, the Satellite terminal’s layout is structured as follows:

• 4th Level: Lounges and various services and amenities
• 3rd Level: Departures, retail stores, meeting point for passengers
• 2nd Level: Arrivals and zones for connecting flights
• Ground Level: Baggage handling, offices
• B1 (Basement 1): System control rooms
• B2 (Basement 2): The four platforms of APM Station

Transfers Between Bangkok Airport Terminals

Although the Suvarnabhumi airport new terminal is located relatively close to the existing terminal building, the route between them is lengthy. Thus, passengers can’t travel from one terminal to the other on foot. That being said, Thailand’s first APM (Automated People Mover) handles transfers between Bangkok airport terminals. The APM Station at the new SAT-1 is to be found on the B2 Level. The APM runs around the clock, at a 3-minute frequency, and takes about 3 minutes (including waiting time) to get from SAT-1 to the Main terminal and vice versa. It can carry up to 210 passengers, while each car is equipped with 25 seats.

FAQs

How many terminals are there in Bangkok Airport?

Bangkok International Airport boasts one of the biggest terminals in the world. Featuring seven concourses, it is a busy terminal that often gets packed. That’s the reason why a new satellite terminal was added to the BKK complex. Thus, nowadays, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport features one Main terminal and one Satellite terminal building (SAT-1).

What is level 1 at Suvarnabhumi Airport?

The Ground floor at Bangkok International Airport houses a small food court and the ground transportation center. Thus, the bus ticket counters and the taxi rank are to be found at Level 1 of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Is Bangkok Airport easy to navigate?

Bangkok Airport is a vast airport. That being said, the terminal is split into seven concourses and is considered easily navigable. However, you should bear in mind that BKK Airport tends to get overcrowded. During those times, waiting lines are long, and navigating through the terminal can be challenging.

What is the new terminal at BKK?

The new terminal in Bangkok Airport is called SAT-1 or Midfield Concourse 1. It aims to decongest the busy Main terminal, featuring all the necessary facilities and services. For the time being, it handles flights operated by Thai AirAsia X and Thai Vietjet.