Don Mueang International Airport
Don Mueang International Airport, IATA code DMK, is one of the oldest international airports in the world and the oldest operating in Asia. Commercial flights began in 1924. The first commercial flight was performed by a KLM aircraft. Don Mueang is located just 24 km north from the centre of Bangkok, but, nevertheless is still less conveniently positioned in comparison to Suvarnabhumi due to heavy traffic. Before Suvarnabhumi Airport inauguration Don Mueang used to be the main airport in Bangkok and one of the largest hubs in the world. In 2004 more than 80 airlines operated here, with 160,000 flights a year and a passenger traffic of over 38 million people, which made it the 14th busiest airport in the world in passenger volume. Don Mueang was closed September 27, 2006 following the opening of the new Bangkok airport, Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Some companies’ excessive operating costs for the services offered by Suvarnabhumi urged the authorities to consider the possibility of moving some flights back to Don Mueang. Don Mueang was reinaugurated, after a brief restructuring, on March 24, 2007. Since the new opening, has become a hub for regional commuters and many low cost airlines. Don Mueang has 3 terminals, with all flights currently transferred to Terminal 3, and Terminals 1 and 2, used as international terminals in pre-Suvarnabhumi era, not operating, but scheduled to reopen. Currently Don Muang receives 17 million passengers a year, partly streamlining the congested traffic of Suvarnabhumi. Passengers can request information at information desks located in the departures and arrivals halls of Terminal 1. The left luggage service is available in the departures hall on the 2nd floor of the domestic terminal, with a service fee. The VAT refund checkpoint and Customs procedures are located on the 3rd floor, Gate 2, of the departures hall. The VAT refunds office is located inside the international departures hall after the checkpoint in the restricted area. The airport medical centre is located in the north of Terminal 1, on the1st floor. Specialist doctors are ready to provide medical service from 8:00 a.m. to 17:00.
