Ranong Airport (Thai: ท่าอากาศยานระนอง, IATA: UNN, ICAO: VTRO) is a public domestic airport serving the town of Ranong and the surrounding province in southern Thailand. It is operated by the Department of Airports, a subsidiary of the State Railway of Thailand.
Location and Facilities
- Address: 131 Moo 9, Bang Rin Subdistrict, Mueang Ranong District, Ranong Province, Thailand.
- Elevation: 13 m (43 ft) above mean sea level.
- Runway: One asphalt runway designated 06/24, measuring 2,000 m (6,562 ft) in length and 45 m wide, capable of handling medium-sized turboprop and narrow‑body jet aircraft.
- Terminal: A single passenger terminal building with basic amenities, including check‑in counters, security screening, a small retail area, and parking facilities.
Airlines and Destinations
As of the latest publicly available schedules (2023), the airport is served by the following scheduled commercial airline:
| Airline | Destination | Aircraft Type |
|---|---|---|
| Nok Air (formerly Thai AirAsia) | Bangkok–Don Mueang (DMK) | Airbus A320 (occasionally ATR 72) |
Service frequency varies seasonally, with typically two to four round‑trip flights per day.
Passenger and Cargo Statistics
- Annual passenger traffic: Approximately 270,000 passengers in 2022, reflecting a gradual increase after a decline during the COVID‑19 pandemic.
- Cargo handling: Primarily limited to passenger aircraft belly‑hold cargo; no dedicated cargo facilities are reported.
History
- Construction and Opening: The airport was constructed in the early 1990s and commenced operations in 1995 to improve connectivity for Ranong Province, which is a coastal region bordering Myanmar.
- Upgrades: Minor runway resurfacing and terminal refurbishment were completed in 2018 to meet modern safety standards and to accommodate a modest increase in traffic.
Transportation Access
- Road: The airport is situated approximately 6 km (3.7 mi) west of Ranong city centre and is accessible via Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road).
- Public Transport: Local songthaews (shared taxis) provide regular service between the airport and the city. Private taxis and motorbike rentals are also available.
Regulatory and Operational Status
Ranong Airport is classified as a “regional airport” under Thailand’s civil aviation framework. It operates under the oversight of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and complies with ICAO Annex 14 standards for aerodrome design and operation.
Future Developments
The Department of Airports has indicated consideration of a runway extension and expansion of terminal facilities to support potential new routes, but detailed plans, timelines, and funding allocations have not been publicly disclosed as of the latest reports.
References
- Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) – Airport Data Sheets.
- Department of Airports, Thailand – Official website and annual reports.
- IATA and ICAO coding directories.
All information presented reflects publicly available data up to 2023 and is sourced from official Thai aviation authorities and recognized industry publications.
