U-Tapao International Airport
U-Tapao International Airport (IATA: UTP, ICAO: VTBU), alternatively spelled
Utapao and U-Taphao, is a multifaceted civil–military public airport
catering to the cities of Rayong and Pattaya in Thailand. Situated in the
Ban Chang District of Rayong Province, the airport serves as a pivotal
transportation hub for both civilian and military operations.
Functioning as the U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield, it serves as the base
for the Royal Thai Navy First Air Wing. Moreover, U-Tapao is home to a
substantial Thai Airways maintenance facility, where the airline's aircraft
and those of other customers are serviced.
Located approximately 90 miles (140 km) southeast of Bangkok, along Route 3
(Thanon Sukhumvit) at km189, U-Tapao Airport occupies a strategic position
near Sattahip on the Gulf of Thailand. Its proximity to Pattaya, Thailand's
premier beach resort, makes it easily accessible, with a convenient
45-minute drive connecting the airport to the bustling resort town.
Perched at an elevation of 42 feet (13 meters) above mean sea level, U-Tapao
Airport features a single runway designated as 18/36. This runway, boasting
an asphalt surface, spans an impressive length of 11,500 feet (3,505
meters), accommodating a wide range of aircraft operations with efficiency
and precision.
With its strategic location, state-of-the-art facilities, and extensive
runway capacity, U-Tapao International Airport continues to play a pivotal
role in enhancing regional connectivity and supporting both civilian and
military aviation activities in Rayong Province and beyond. Whether for
commercial flights, military operations, or aircraft maintenance services,
the airport remains a vital asset contributing to Thailand's aviation sector
and economic development.
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