Thailand to raise airport tax for international passengers from 2026 to fund terminal upgrades
A person at the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo by Pexels
Thailand is preparing to raise airport taxes for outbound passengers starting in 2026, a shift that will push up ticket prices for millions of travelers passing through its busiest international airports.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has approved a plan to increase the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) at six major airports operated by Airports of Thailand (AOT), The Nation reported.
The hike is significant: the fee for international departures will rise from 730 baht ($23) to 1,120 baht per person, an additional 390 baht on every ticket. CAAT is expected to take several months to review final data from AOT, after which the new charges will be formally approved.
Because airlines must notify passengers at least four months in advance, the higher tax will only kick in in early 2026, The Straits Times reported.
AOT estimates the increase could generate about 10 billion baht in extra annual revenue. Much of that will be funneled into long-awaited airport upgrades, especially the construction of a new South Passenger Terminal at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to help relieve chronic congestion.
The new rates will apply at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang–Chiang Rai, Phuket and Hat Yai, the airports that handle the bulk of Thailand’s international traffic.
Thailand’s Department of Airports (DOA) is also set to adjust its service fees across its own network of regional airports.
Once Trang Airport installs the CUPPS system and at least half the required equipment is in place, charges for international flights will rise from 400 to a maximum of 425 baht per flight, while domestic flights will increase from 50 to 75 baht. These changes likewise require CAAT sign-off and must be announced months ahead of implementation.
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