Airlines Serving Phuket International Airport
As a popular international tourist destination, Phuket is well served by many airlines, domestic and international.
Domestic Airlines Serving Phuket
If trying to get to Phuket from Bangkok, or elsewhere in Thailand, there are a number of domestic airlines serving the island, both full service and budget carriers. Among the budget carriers, we'd recommend Nok Air.
- Thai Airways
- The national flag carrier flies to almost all major tourist destinations. Their web site allows you to view schedules and seat availability. You can book and pay online for paperless travel.
- Bangkok Airways
- The nation's second carrier is almost solely responsible for developing special destinations such as Samui and Sukhothai. Their now extensive network covers several countries and many of the major world heritage destinations of Southeast Asia. They have some limited e-ticket capability.
- Air Asia
- Air Asia was the first budget airline to go regional. Based in Malaysia, Air Asia started flying in Thailand in 2002, and has a reputation for offering some of the lowest fares around. Thai destinations include Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai and Phuket. The airline also flies from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and other destinations. If considering Air Asia, it's important to keep in mind that the fares go up the closer you get to your departure date. To get the cheapest fares you need to book at least three months in advance.
Regional Airlines
Most of the major regional airlines have direct flights to Phuket from cities in neighboring countries. These include both budget and full service airlines.
- Air Asia
- The Malaysian arm of this budget airline flies from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket. If considering Air Asia, it's important to keep in mind that the fares go up the closer you get to your departure date. To get the cheapest fares you need to book at least three months in advance.
- Firefly
- "Community" airline set up as a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysian Airlines. Based in Penang, the airline flies mostly to smaller destinations like Kuantan, but also serves Langkawi, Samui and Phuket.
- Jet Star Asia
- The Asian subsidary of this Australian carrier is based in Singapore, and flies from there to Phuket and several other destinations in Thailand. We've actually found flying with Jet Star to be a rather pleasant experience.
- Silk Air
- This regional subsidiary of Singapore Airline flies between Singapore and Phuket directly.
- Tiger Airways
- Budget Singaporean carrier with daily flights direct to Phuket from Singapore.
International Airlines
A number of other major international airlines have flights from North Asia and Europe directly to Phuket, although sometimes these are on a seasonal basis. Among the carriers are Air China, Dragonair, EVA Airlines, Korean Air and LTU.