Thailand to raise air departure passenger service charge from $23 to $35

2026-02-02 - 07:56

BANGKOK — Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to raise the international departure passenger service charge (PSC) to 1,120 baht per person by mid-2026 and is studying a new PSC for transit and transfer passengers in line with international practice, aiming to strengthen long-term revenue and fund major airport expansion projects. AOT president Pavina Jariyathitipong said the Civil Aviation Board approved the departure PSC increase in principle on 3 December 2025, raising the fee from 730 baht by 390 baht, with formal enforcement expected mid-year pending transport ministerial approval. Studies indicate the increase will not affect travel decisions and is projected to lift AOT revenue by about 13 billion baht a year from fiscal 2027, funds earmarked primarily for investment, including the South Terminal project at Suvarnabhumi Airport, valued at over 200 billion baht, to reduce reliance on borrowing and interest costs. Pavina said more than 90% of airports worldwide collect PSC from both departing and transit passengers, while Thailand is among the small minority that charges only departures, limiting revenue potential. AOT plans to propose regulatory changes to allow PSC collection from transit passengers after the new departure fee takes effect. The PSC increase will apply to AOT’s six airports, Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai as Thailand moves to expand Suvarnabhumi’s capacity to 120 million passengers a year and advance its goal of becoming a regional aviation hub.