Airports of Thailand to raise passenger charges by 53%

The Airports of Thailand (AOT) will raise passenger service charges (PSC) on international flights across all six airports under its management from mid-2026, with the increase expected to take effect on 1 May.

Under the revised fee structure, the international PSC will rise from 730 to 1,120 baht (US$23-35), representing a 53% increase, according to media reports.

The higher charge will apply to international passengers departing from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK), Phuket (HKT), Chiang Mai (CNX), Hat Yai (HDY) and Chiang Rai (CEI).

AOT estimates the increase will generate around 10 to 13 billion baht in additional annual revenue, which will be used to fund airport expansion, terminal upgrades and safety system improvements.

The airport operator, which is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, said the government has directed AOT to finance major infrastructure projects through internally generated revenue rather than state loans or taxpayer funding.

Among the largest planned developments is the 200 billion baht South Terminal project at Suvarnabhumi Airport, aimed at increasing the airport’s capacity to 120 million passengers per year.

While PSC for domestic flights at AOT-managed airports will remain unchanged at 130 baht, fees at airports managed by Thailand’s Department of Airports (DOA) have also been adjusted. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) had previously granted DOA approval to raise domestic passenger charges from 50 to 75 baht at its smaller regional airports. International PSCs at selected DOA-managed airports, including Krabi, Surat Thani and Khon Kaen, were increased to 425 bah.

At U-Tapao International Airport, operated by the Royal Thai Navy and located south of Pattaya, passenger charges are capped at 400 baht for international flights and 50 baht for domestic flights.

All passenger service charges are automatically included in airfare prices.