Thailand raises airport departure charges to fund major expansion

Airports of Thailand, the public authority managing the airports of Bangkok Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai and Phuket will increase its passengers’ departure tax.

A key driver of AOT’s medium-term outlook is the planned increase in the international departure Passenger Service Charge (PSC). The Civil Aviation Board approved the adjustment in principle on 3 December 2025, raising the fee from 730 baht (USD23) to 1,120 baht (USD35) per passenger, an increase of 50%. Formal enforcement is expected around mid-2026, pending approval from the transport minister.

According to AOT president Pavina Jariyathitipong, studies indicate the higher charge will not affect travelers’ decision-making. The additional income will be channeled primarily into capital investment, most notably the South Terminal project at Suvarnabhumi Airport, which carries an estimated price tag of more than 200 billion baht (USD6.3 billion). Strengthening cash flow through PSC revenue is also intended to reduce AOT’s reliance on borrowing and associated interest costs.

The AOT president noted that more than 90% of airports worldwide collect PSC from both departing and transit passengers. Meanwhile, Thailand remains among a small group that charges only departing travelers, limiting revenue potential. After the new departure PSC comes into effect, AOT plans to propose regulatory changes that would allow the charge to be also collected from transit passengers as well.

Despite the positive outlook, AOT cautioned that revenue forecasts for the current year remain uncertain because the higher PSC will not be collected for a full 12 months. “Revenue this year is quite uncertain because PSC revenue is not being collected for the full year,” Jariyathitipong said.

She added that the PSC will have a full-year impact from next year, reshaping AOT’s revenue mix. “We will see a new revenue structure that better reflects actual costs and helps offset the loss of aero income with PSC revenue,” she indicated to local newspapers.

The changes come as Thailand pushes ahead its ambition to position the country as a leading regional aviation hub. Meanwhile, AOT expects passenger numbers to increase by 3-6% in 2026, reaching between 130 to 135 million. This follows a record of 126 million passengers in 2025.