Thailand increases airport tax: This is how expensive your next trip will be!

Thailand increases airport tax: This is how expensive your next trip will be!

Thailand will significantly increase airport taxes for international flights in 2026, which will particularly impact travelers from the country. From the beginning of 2026, the airport tax will increase from the previous 730 baht to 1,120 baht, an increase of 53%. This decision was approved by the Civil Aviation Authority and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn chaired the meeting to approve this measure. What initially sounds like a simple fee increase could support the plan to improve airport infrastructure and combat overtourism. This is particularly evident at key airports such as Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) of Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT), which move around 35 million international passengers annually.

Why this increase? The income is intended to help invest in better services and more security at airports in the future. Additionally, the Civil Aviation Authority expects the new fees to generate additional revenue of about 10 billion baht per year over time. This increase fits into a global trend where countries such as the United Kingdom, India, Malaysia and Singapore are also taking similar steps to financially strengthen their airport infrastructure. For example, in the United Kingdom the Air Passenger Duty (APD) for long-haul flights will be increased in the coming years.

Overview of the recent increases

The impact of this increase will be felt by travelers as tour operators are already indicating that ticket prices will go up. Long-haul travelers and passengers flying in premium classes are particularly affected. However, the passenger fee for domestic flights will remain unchanged at 130 baht, while the tax for domestic flights is set to increase from 100 baht to 200 baht. These various increases are aimed at making up for a deficit at the Airports of Thailand.

• Erhöhung der Flughafensteuer für
  • Internationale Flüge: von 730 Baht auf 1.120 Baht
  • Inlandsflüge: von 100 Baht auf 200 Baht
• Erwartete zusätzliche Einnahmen für AOT: ca. 10 Milliarden Baht jährlich
• Anzahl internationaler Passagiere an AOT-Flughäfen: ca. 35 Millionen jährlich

It remains to be seen how travelers will react to the increase in fees. Some fears are surfacing - particularly from tour operators - that Thailand could become less attractive by international standards. To be honest: This worries many people a little, as tourism makes up a large part of the economy. If traveler loyalty decreases as a result of these new fees, it could also have a negative impact on tourism across the country.

However, Thailand will not be alone in international comparison. Similar fee increases are also expected in other countries, meaning travelers may have to prepare for higher ticket prices globally. It might be worth looking for direct flights now and finding out about the new fees at the respective departure airports to avoid unpleasant surprises.

The coming weeks and months will show how these changes actually affect travel and whether tourists eyeing Thailand are still willing to bear the new costs.

For more information on airport tax increases in Thailand, take a look here: Travel and Tour World, Thailand tip or Thailand Blog.