Air Travellers to Pay Higher Departure Fees at Six Thai Airports
Air Travellers to Pay Higher Departure Fees at Six Thai Airports
BANGKOK, May 22, 2026 — Airports of Thailand (AOT) has announced a significant increase in passenger service charges for international departures at six major airports, with the new rates set to take effect on June 20, 2026.
Under the revised structure, the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) for international travellers will rise from 730 baht to 1,120 baht, while domestic departure fees will remain unchanged at 130 baht.
The increase will apply at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai, Phuket and Hat Yai airports, all operated by AOT.
AOT President Paweena Jariyathitipong defended the decision following criticism from airline industry figures, including AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes, who reportedly opposed the sharp increase.
Paweena said the additional revenue would support Thailand’s long-term aviation competitiveness and improve airport infrastructure and passenger services.
She added that failure to upgrade airport capacity could weaken Thailand’s position compared with neighbouring regional aviation hubs.
According to AOT, the higher fees will help finance a five-year infrastructure investment plan valued at more than 80 billion baht.
Major projects include the East Expansion project at Suvarnabhumi Airport, estimated at around 12 billion baht, with construction potentially beginning later this year.
At Don Mueang Airport, Phase 3 development works are expected to involve investments of approximately 69 billion baht, with large-scale construction planned for early next year.
AOT also plans to invest about 10 billion baht into Phuket Airport’s Phase 2 expansion to increase passenger handling capacity.
The airport operator said part of the funding would also be used to introduce advanced systems such as the Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS), designed to improve check-in efficiency and streamline passenger services.
Thailand’s aviation sector has continued recovering strongly following the pandemic-era downturn, with airports facing growing pressure to expand capacity amid rising tourist arrivals and increased regional air traffic demand.
