Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport

VTCT / CEI

Chiang Rai, TH

Last Updated
Mar 4, 20:00Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Aging 1 hour ago
20:00Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
18°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 16°C
2 kt
320°
--
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1010 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR VTCT 042000Z 32002KT CAVOK 18/16 Q1010 NOSIG
QNH
1010 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
967 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (1,280 ft)
Pressure Alt
1,378 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 2,045 ft
ISA Deviation: +5.6°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF VTCT 041700Z 0418/0524 30005KT 9000 SCT035 BECMG 0501/0503 10005KT TEMPO 0507/0513 23015G25KT 4000 TSRA FEW020CB BKN030 BECMG 0511/0513 28005KT BECMG 0519/0521 34005KT
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
21:13Z BASE
+0h
VFR 300° 5 kt
Visibility: 9 km
01:00Z BECMG
+4h
VFR 100° 5 kt
07:00Z TEMPO
+10h
IFR 230° 15 kt
Visibility: 4 km
Ceiling: 3,000 ft
Thunderstorm Rain

24-Hour Weather Evolution

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Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
TCT
03 ✈️
21

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 03/21
Active: 03
9,843 ft 148 ft ASP 29°
0.7 kt 1.9 kt
70° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - VTCT

3,908 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
81.9%
MVFR
15.6%
IFR
1.4%
LIFR
1%

Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 81.9% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the W averaging 4 knots. Calm conditions occur 20.9% of the time. Temperatures typically range between 8°C and 33°C with an average of 22.6°C. The best months for VFR flying are October, February, November.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: W (270°)
Average Speed: 4 kt
Maximum Recorded: 15 kt
Calm Winds: 20.9%
Direction Distribution:
N
13%
NE
13.3%
E
9.9%
SE
6.9%
S
7.3%
SW
6.1%
W
13.5%
NW
9%

Temperature Range

Average: 22.6°C
Range: 8°C to 33°C
8°C 33°C

Visibility

Average: 10 SM
Below 3 SM: 0%
Fog Frequency: 1.4%

Best Months for VFR

October February November

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 03/21
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 2.2 kt

Statistics computed from 3,908 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: VTCT
IATA Code: CEI
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 1,280 ft MSL

Location

City: Chiang Rai
Country: TH
Latitude: 19.952299°
Longitude: 99.882896°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-7

Runway Information

Runway 03/21
Length: 9,843 ft
Width: 148 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport

Overview

Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport serves the northernmost province of Thailand, providing international and domestic connectivity for the Chiang Rai region. Located at 1,280 feet MSL, the airport supports medium-sized aircraft operations with its single 9,843-foot asphalt runway positioned at 03/21.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at VTCT are predominantly favorable for visual flight, with 81.4% of observations reporting VFR conditions. The prevailing winds from the northeast at 45 degrees average 4.2 knots, with occasional peaks up to 15 knots. Temperature variations range from 8°C to 33°C, with an average of 22.6°C, presenting generally stable meteorological environments for aircraft operations.

Notable Features

The airport's elevation and geographic positioning in northern Thailand introduce potential terrain considerations for approaching and departing aircraft. The surrounding mountainous landscape of Chiang Rai province may influence local wind patterns and create localized turbulence, particularly during seasonal transitions. Runway 03/21 demonstrates consistent wind alignment, with 100% favorable wind conditions and minimal average crosswind of 2.1 knots.

Approach Considerations

October, November, and January represent the most consistent VFR months, offering optimal flying conditions with high visibility averaging 10 statute miles. Pilots should note minimal instances of reduced visibility, with fog occurring in only 1.6% of observations and no recorded visibility below 3 statute miles. The runway's orientation and wind characteristics suggest predictable approach and departure scenarios with minimal wind-related complexities.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.