Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK): Private Jet and FBO

A private jet can use two airports in Bangkok: at Don Mueang (DMK / VTBD), north of the city, the operator, customs, immigration and air traffic control all work 24/7, and MJets runs a private terminal there with customs and immigration on site. The civil runway, 03L/21R, is 3,700 m long; the second one is normally reserved for military traffic. Suvarnabhumi (BKK / VTBS), 25 km east of the city, only admits aircraft with a final approach speed of at least 110 knots, except emergencies and VIP flights. IBC Aviation, which has an office in Bangkok, handles the permissions and the choice of airport for every flight to or from the Thai capital.

Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi compared

Don Mueang, one civil runway and one military runway

The Thai AIP describes two parallel runways at Don Mueang. Runway 03L/21R, 3,700 m by 60 m, carries civil traffic. Runway 03R/21L, 3,500 m by 45 m, is "normally restricted to military traffic", although it can be made available to civil flights. The airport shares its facilities with the Royal Thai Air Force.

The civil runway is long enough for the largest business jets, and every service listed in the AIP, from the operator to fuelling, customs and immigration, runs around the clock. A night departure for Europe or the Gulf is therefore never a scheduling problem at Don Mueang.

MJets, Don Mueang's private terminal

MJets runs its terminal at 222 Viphavadee-Rangsit Road, within the airport grounds. The operator describes a 3,400 sq ft executive lounge that can hold up to 70 people, with private meeting rooms, a separate rest area and a crew lounge with showers. Customs, immigration and security are handled on site, and ground handling is accredited IS-BAH Stage 3.

A passenger arriving from Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore or Geneva therefore completes formalities inside the private terminal, without going through a commercial terminal.

Suvarnabhumi: 110 knots minimum on approach

Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok's main international airport, also operates 24/7, with three parallel runways since 3 October 2024. Its AIP, however, limits access to aircraft of category B or above able to fly a final approach at a minimum of 110 knots, except for emergencies, search and rescue or VIP flights, and bans training flights.

A business jet generally meets this criterion, but an aircraft that is slow on approach can be turned away. Handling agents process general aviation there, with no documented private terminal comparable to Don Mueang's. The choice between the two therefore depends on the aircraft, the stopover and the final destination: Suvarnabhumi lies 25 km east of the city, Don Mueang to the north.

Permissions: what Thai civil aviation requires

Every international private or non-scheduled flight needs prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, filed through its online FPOS system. The request goes in at least three business days before the flight, for a private flight and a charter alike. An aircraft entering or leaving Thailand must also use a customs airport, with a general declaration and a passenger manifest.

We file these applications as soon as the flight is confirmed. Our article on private jet customs formalities covers the documents, and our guide to Thailand's private jet airports covers the rest of the country.

Routes and rates from Bangkok

Every route in the table except Bali carries a one-way example price, tied to the aircraft shown. On the Phenom 300 routes, a group of eight moves to a midsize such as the Citation XLS, from EUR 4,800 per hour, and a group of ten to a heavy jet such as the Falcon 2000, from EUR 6,500 per hour. Bali shows the category's hourly rate over an estimated flight time.

Which aircraft from Bangkok

For Phuket or Koh Samui, a light jet is enough, and islands without a runway are then reached by seaplane with our partner Siam Seaplane. For Hong Kong or Bali, a midsize or super midsize jet adds cabin comfort. For Tokyo or the Gulf, the shortlist moves to heavy jets, and for Europe to ultra long range jets.

IBC Aviation in Bangkok

Our Bangkok office works in the time zone of its Southeast Asian clients and takes over from our European teams overnight: FPOS permission, choice between Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi, coordination with the private terminal and transfers. The city's routes and prices are on our page on private jet charter in Bangkok.

• Bangkok: +66 92 372 4680
• Switzerland: +41 22 880 28 88
• France: +33 1 41 69 88 88
• Email: contact@ibc-aviation.com

Available 24/7.

Frequently asked questions

Which airport should you choose for a private jet in Bangkok?

Don Mueang, for the MJets private terminal with customs and immigration on site and its 24/7 services. Suvarnabhumi remains possible for an aircraft that approaches at 110 knots or more.

Is Don Mueang Airport open 24 hours?

Yes. According to the AIP, the operator, customs, immigration, air traffic control and fuelling all run 24/7.

How many runways does Don Mueang Airport have?

Two: 03L/21R, 3,700 m long, for civil traffic, and 03R/21L, 3,500 m long, normally reserved for military traffic.

How long does a private flight permit take in Thailand?

At least three business days before the flight, for every non-scheduled flight, private or charter, through the online FPOS system of the Thai civil aviation authority.

How long is a private jet flight from Bangkok to Phuket?

About 1h15 in the air, in a light or midsize jet.