Passengers flying internationally from Thailand to face 53% higher airport taxes in 2026

Passengers flying internationally from Thailand are set to face higher airport taxes in 2026.

Bangkok Post reported that this comes after the Civil Aviation Board approved a 53 per cent hike in the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) at six major airports.

The PSC is also known as the airport tax.

Changes

Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn said the PSC for international departures will rise from 730 baht (S$29.55) to 1,120 baht (S$45.34) per person.

This increase is set to take place in early 2026.

Extra revenue

Airports of Thailand (AOT) is expecting this adjustment to generate an extra 10 billion baht (around S$404 million) in annual revenue.

AOT operates Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Hat Yai airports.

The company plans to reinvest this income into enhancing airport services, including expanding Suvarnabhumi Airport's South Passenger Terminal.

A Business stock news site reported that AOT expects to see approximately 35 million international outbound passengers per year.

Thaiger reported that the airport tax is included in the airfare at the time of booking.

However, domestic flight charges remain unchanged at 130 baht (S$5.26).

Stock prices

Following the changes, AOT's share price surged 11 per cent.

It surged to 52.75 baht (S$2.14) on the morning of Dec. 4, according to Thaiger.

Flight fees

In addition, the Department of Airports (DOA) also received approval to increase charges.

International flight fees will rise from 400 baht (S$16.19) to 425 baht (S$17.21). Domestic fees will increase from 50 baht (S$2.02) to 75 baht (S$3.04) per flight.

Key airport technology systems

These changes will be implemented once key airport technology systems are installed, starting with Trang Airport.

Thaiger reported that the required systems include:

•  Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) — a shared IT platform that allows multiple airlines to use the same check-in and boarding infrastructure.
• Common Use Terminal Equipment (CUTE) — technology that enables airlines to share workstations at check-in counters and boarding gates.
• Common Use Self-Service (CUSS) — self-service kiosks for check-in that can be used by multiple airlines.
• Common Use Bag Drop (CUBD) — self-service baggage drop systems used across different airlines.

The fee adjustments will only be enforced once at least 50 per cent of the systems are operational.

In addition, final approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and a four-month notice period for passengers will still be required before the new charges come into effect.

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