AOT announced this week that passenger service charges for international flights at the six airports under its management will increase from 730 baht (US$22.7) to 1,120 baht ($34.78) per person, reaffirming a plan it first announced in February.
The fees will be implemented at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, Phuket International Airport, Hat Yai International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport and Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport.
The domestic passenger rate will remain unchanged at 130 baht per person. AOT said revenue from the departure fee will be used to “continuously upgrade the infrastructure of all six airports,” as cited by the Center for Aviation.
Passengers arrive at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport, Thailand in 2023. Photo by Reuters |
According to AOT, its study found the higher PSC would not affect passengers’ travel decisions and that Thailand’s PSC remains lower than charges at many overseas airports. AOT estimated the adjustment, which brings the fee more in line with actual costs, will increase its revenue by around 10 billion baht per year. The funds will be used to further improve airport services, it said, as cited by The Nation.
Planned projects include the installation of Common Use Passenger Processing Systems, terminal expansions and the development of the South Terminal project at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
AOT stressed that the passenger charge is not a tax but a source of funding for airport operations and long-term infrastructure investment, adding that the increase is not intended to offset falling duty-free revenue.
However, the fee hike has triggered criticism from some observers.
Samart Ratchapolsitte, a former deputy Bangkok governor, warned that passenger charges at Suvarnabhumi Airport would become higher than those at some major international hubs such as South Korea’s Incheon International Airport and Japan’s Haneda Airport, despite service standards that he said do not yet match those airports.
He also said budget travelers would likely feel the strongest impact, noting that the increase of nearly 400 baht could push airfares to between 4,000 and 5,000 baht, representing a 7% to 10% rise, as reported by The Star.
The policy had sparked debate in March and April, with critics questioning whether AOT had been transparent enough about how the extra revenue would be spent. The Thailand Development Research Institute called for greater clarity regarding project costs and how the funds would support airport expansion plans.
The fee increase comes as airlines face rising aviation fuel costs linked to tensions in the Middle East, adding further pressure on travelers.
Thailand’s major airports, managed by AOT, handled approximately 20.92 million international passengers during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 (October-December 2025), the company said.
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