Thailand to Raise International Airport Passenger Fee by 53% From June
Thailand to Raise International Airport Passenger Fee by 53% From June
BANGKOK, May 8, 2026 — Thailand’s Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) said international airfares will rise after the country approved a sharp increase in passenger service charges at its six main airports, though officials said the move is unlikely to significantly affect tourism demand.
The new international passenger service charge (PSC) will rise to 1,120 baht ($30) per traveller from 730 baht, an increase of about 53%, effective June 20, 2026.
The higher fee will apply to outbound international passengers departing from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports in Bangkok, as well as Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai airports.
Domestic passenger service charges will remain unchanged at 130 baht per person as part of government efforts to support domestic tourism.
AOT President Paweena Jariyathitipong said the adjustment had been approved by Thailand’s Civil Aviation Board following studies conducted under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines related to transparency, cost recovery and user consultation.
The state-controlled airport operator expects the increase to generate around 10 billion baht in additional annual revenue, which it said would be used to fund airport expansion, safety upgrades and service improvements.
“The adjustment will contribute to long-term airport development and improved passenger services,” AOT said.
The passenger service charge is collected by airlines as part of ticket pricing and transferred to AOT to support airport operations. The revised fee will apply to international tickets issued from June 20 onward.
While acknowledging that ticket prices will increase, AOT said its studies indicate the higher fees are unlikely to alter travel behaviour or reduce Thailand’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.
The increase marks Thailand’s largest airport fee adjustment in nearly two decades and has drawn criticism from some analysts and consumer groups.
The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) questioned whether travellers would see meaningful service improvements corresponding to the higher charges, particularly amid concerns about airport congestion and service quality rankings.
Thailand has been accelerating airport infrastructure development as international tourism and passenger traffic continue recovering following years of disruption in the global aviation sector.
