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New passenger fee: International flights in Thailand more expensive from May!
The Airports of Thailand will increase the passenger fee for international flights to 1,120 baht from May 2024.
New passenger fee: International flights in Thailand more expensive from May!
Airports in Thailand are facing a significant adjustment to passenger fees. The operator, Airports of Thailand (AOT), plans to significantly increase fees for international departures from May 2024. At the six main airports - Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai - the fee will increase from the current 730 baht to 1,120 baht per person. That reports The Thaiger.
These airports handle the majority of international air traffic in Thailand and are particularly popular with foreign tourists. AOT CEO Paweena Jariyathitipong expressed concerns from various political parties who see the increase as an additional burden for passengers. However, she herself is optimistic that the impact on tourism will be minimal.
Investments in the future
The increased fees are expected to generate over 10 billion baht in additional income for AOT. Paweena clarifies that this fee adjustment is not aimed at increasing profits but at aligning passenger fees with actual capital and operating costs. Passenger Service Charge (PSC) revenue is directly reinvested in airport improvements, which also benefits travelers.
Planned investments include significant upgrades and maintenance. These include toilets, electrical systems, air conditioning, passenger terminal structures and security systems. These investments are intended to significantly increase passenger comfort and service quality. “We must also use the additional revenue to ensure safer, more efficient and sustainable airport operations,” said Paweena.
What does this mean for travelers?
An important point that Paweena highlights is that the PSC should not be viewed as lost money for travelers. According to international studies, passenger fees have little influence on tourists' travel decisions; The main reason for choosing a travel destination is airline ticket prices. The new rate of passenger charges still needs to be approved by the Minister for Transport. If approvals are received on time, the higher fee will take effect promptly in May 2024.
The upcoming changes in the fee structure raise many questions and are certainly an important aspect for travelers and the entire travel industry in Thailand. Only time will tell whether this increase actually has the desired positive impact on the airport infrastructure.