Surat Thani International Airport (Donnok Airport)
Summary
| Operating Country | 🇹🇭 Thailand |
| Location | 🇹🇭 Thailand |
| Status | ◉ Active |
| Usage | Dual |
| Year built | 1981 |
| Operating Organization | Royal Thai Air Force |
| Units |
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Location & Details
| Coordinates | 9.1325°N, 99.1356°E |
| Elevation | 20 m (66 ft) |
| IATA code | URT |
| ICAO code | VTSB |
| Runways |
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Description
Surat Thani International Airport is located in Tambon Hua Toei, Amphoe Phunphin, Surat Thani Province, 21 kilometers west of Surat Thani city. The facility occupies the site of a former World War II military airfield. It replaced Donnok Airport, a smaller facility where the Royal Thai Air Force previously operated Douglas DC-3 aircraft from an expanded gravel runway. Construction on the current airfield began in 1978, and the installation officially opened on April 15, 1981. The infrastructure was expanded in 1993 to accommodate heavier military and commercial operations.
The airport functions as an active Royal Thai Air Force base, housing the 4th Air Division/7th Wing Air Combat Command. The base hosts 701 Squadron, designated "Shark," which operates a squadron of SAAB JAS-39 C/D Gripen multirole fighters. Also stationed at the base is 702 Squadron, which operates SAAB SF340 aircraft configured for transport and airborne early warning missions. The facility maintains a paved runway and apron infrastructure supporting both military and international commercial aviation.