Phuket Airport

Probably the worst airport I have ever used. Arrival was not bad but departure was a nightmare. Firstly baggage is checked as we entered the airport which means queuing outside in the heat. Once checked we made our way to the check in desk only to find security staff wanted to check our bags a second time why? No one could answer that. Check in was cramped to say the least with 2 planes checking in passengers at the same time queues zigzagged all over the place. Once through the check in then on to another security check of carry on baggage and person before before reaching immigration which in comparison to the security checks is a doodle. Into food and drink hall where we found little choice and high prices. Finally duty free. Ha what a joke this is staff at the liquor stores refused to sell us alcohol for our Australian bound flight even though our allowance is 2.25 litres each it seems if they do the security staff that search baggage (yet again) between check in gate and the plane confiscate it anyway. Another small example of left hand not knowing what right is doing. At first baggage check I declared I had a cigar lighter in my pocket OK said the checker if you only have one. At the final check before boarding it was confiscated. Absolutely ridiculous.

Overall the airport is not unlike other low-cost airports in the region: a bit chaotic but with some basic stores and amenities that allow you to pass the time without too much trouble. One point though is that the immigration staff were extremely unfriendly and arrogant upon both our arrival and departure barking orders at us to hurry up and threatening us with fines if unable to do so (despite travelling with a 7-month-old and 2-year- old). An example doesn't confirm a rule but in this case the fact that there were two examples suggests to me that perhaps there is a general problem with the immigration staff. Very unfortunate as almost all other people we met during our stay in Phuket were very friendly and hospitable.

Overall wasn't that bad in both manners I arrived from a late flight the toilets in arrival weren't bad compared to some of the other airports I have been to and immigration was reasonably quick possibly due to it being a late flight and baggage was there as soon as I arrived there and left before I knew it. Departure wasn't as bad as I thought I would say reasonably efficient could have been more fast food shops and slightly expensive as well but toilets were reasonable and not bad except for the wait.

We arrived here on June 28th and waited for our luggage which never came somebody came up to us and asked whether we are international yes we had to go to next belt 100m away! Then our luggage partly did not arrive but the lost and found personnel were very efficient. Outside the cabs are expensive and controlled by taxi cartel all over Phuket hence you have to pay more the price is too high for Thailand.

Horrible airport-crowded hardly any food/beverage choices no free wifi and way too small. Hope to never end up there again.

A dreadfully poor airport not fit for purpose. Agree with a previous comment tear it down and start again or build a new one! The terminal is grubby and very limited in it's basic facilities. Small and overcrowded this airport does not create a good first impression of Phuket and when it comes to departures the queues start before you can even enter the terminal building.

A dreadful airport! The check-in area swamped with people and chaotic. It's a very dirty small and extremely overused airport. There are international flights and many domestic flights going in and out of this small terminal and somehow it works. I suppose the Thai Airways lounge was just fine but the economy class area was similar to a bus station. I've used this airport before around 5 years ago and little has changed. They need to tear it down and start again or at least segregate domestic and international flights and passengers and add space.

On arrival long lines for immigration in fairness it was Chinese New Year holidays so lots of extra passengers to deal with but still only 60% of the immigration booths occupied. Once through immigration its quick to exit as your bags are already available a bit of congestion caused by all the various taxi touts so finding your pre-booked transport takes a keen eye. On departure you have to put your bags through x-ray on entering the terminal. There are two so go for the furthest one as its less busy. Check-in as one may expect for a busy holiday airport busy but well organised. After security there are a variety of shops not to many dining options but good enough for an average wait. Duty free is very expensive though and seemed mostly to be Russian tourists who were buying - not many others.

Arrived at 12pm and so did 3 other planes from Russia. This meant immigration lanes were very long and it took over an hour to clear immigration. Airport is very old and it clearly was not built for the 8 million passengers which pass through there. Luggage was already waiting and we where whisked off in our hotel car. Departure there is a long line to enter as you have to get your bags checked at the beginning before going to check-in. Check-in was efficient and security relaxed. There is not really much when you arrive in the departure area. Flight left on time and TG has the most convenient gates at the airport.

I used this airport in Apr 2011 it was being revamped and immigration was fast we also got free starter packs with free airtime at the airport once activated we could make calls to tell friends we were safe for the airport size it was great using it.