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Passenger fee increases: This is how expensive the airport in Thailand will be in 2026!
Thailand will increase passenger fees at six airports from 2026 to improve service and capacity.
Passenger fee increases: This is how expensive the airport in Thailand will be in 2026!
A new fee hammer for passengers: From the beginning of 2026, travelers at six major airports in Thailand will have to dig deeper into their pockets. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has announced that the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) will increase the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) for international departures from the current 730 baht to a hefty 1,120 baht per person. This increase will take effect in about four months from approval, meaning passengers leaving Thailand from early 2026 will have to pay 390 baht more in the future.
The Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) estimates that this measure could generate around 10 billion baht in additional revenue annually with an expected 35 million passengers. Part of this revenue will be invested to improve airport services, particularly through the construction of a new south passenger terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport. So even more air travelers could soon enjoy greater comfort here.
Six airports in focus
The new fees affect the six largest airports under AOT management: Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Don Mueang (DMK), Chiang Mai (CNX), Mae Fah Luang in Chiang Rai (CEI), Phuket (HKT) and Hat Yai (HDY). Together, these airports handled over 125 million passengers in 2025, the number increasing by 5.61 percent compared to the previous year, while the number of flight movements, almost 790,000, also increased by 7.56 percent.
AOT's total revenue rose to 68.59 billion baht in fiscal 2025, a small increase of 1.12 percent. The main driver behind these figures is higher passenger fees and increasing passenger numbers - a positive sign for the travel industry, which is gradually recovering after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Modernization and service improvements
The income from the PSC not only serves to fill the airport coffers, it also flows into the further development of the airports. For example, the Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) was introduced, which improves service at check-in counters and reduces waiting times. Passengers now have the option to check in and load their own luggage up to twelve hours before their departure, making the entire process more efficient.
With these measures, AOT shows that they have a good hand for the future of aviation in Thailand. Despite global economic uncertainties, aviation remains a valuable sector for the Thai economy and investments in modern technology and convenience could ultimately prove to be a cash cow.
For further information on this topic, please take a look at the website Nation of Thailand, Thailand PRD and The farang.