Samui Airport opens (25 April 1989)

Samui Airport is one of the best-documented facts in the island's history. Dr Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth's airline, Bangkok Airways (originally Sahakol Air, founded 1968, scheduled services from 1986), decided to build its own airport on Koh Samui - the first privately owned airport in Thailand. Construction began in 1982 on the north of the island, and the airport officially commenced operations on 25 April 1989. Bangkok Airways launched its Bangkok-Samui scheduled service the same year and received the airline code 'PG'. The airport, built in a distinctive open-air tropical style, changed the island's visitor profile almost overnight: from backpackers willing to endure overnight boats to mass-market and luxury travellers on one-hour flights from Bangkok. Bangkok Airways kept a near-monopoly on the route for decades and later built airports at Sukhothai (1996) and Trat (2003). The airport was renovated in 2007.

Dates

Construction 1982; opened 25 April 1989

Highlights

• Thailand's first privately owned airport
• Built by Bangkok Airways; construction from 1982
• Officially opened 25 April 1989
• Direct Bangkok flights began 1989; open-air design still famous

Local tips

• The airport's open-air, garden-style terminals are worth a look even when not flying
• Bangkok Airways has historically dominated the route, which affects ticket prices

Frequently asked questions

When did Koh Samui airport open?

Samui Airport officially opened on 25 April 1989, built and owned by Bangkok Airways.

Who built Samui Airport?

Bangkok Airways (founded by Dr Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth) built it as Thailand's first privately owned airport, starting construction in 1982.