Travel to Thailand Gets Costlier: Indian Tourists Face 53% Higher Airport Fee

Airports of Thailand (AOT) has announced a revised international departure passenger service charge (PSC) of 1,120 baht, effective June 20 across all six of its airports, the Bangkok Post reported. The new fee will apply at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai airports. The domestic PSC remains unchanged at 130 baht per passenger.

The hike follows a December 2025 decision by Thailand’s Civil Aviation Board approving AOT’s proposal to raise the international departure PSC from 730 baht to 1,120 baht — an increase of 390 baht, or 53%.

AOT said the adjustment is aimed at better reflecting operational costs and is projected to generate an additional 10 billion baht annually. The authority added that the revenue would be reinvested into airport services and infrastructure upgrades.

Clarifying the nature of the charge, AOT emphasised that the PSC is not a tax but a fee directly tied to airport operations. Funds will support ongoing development projects, including Satellite Terminal 1 at Suvarnabhumi Airport and passenger terminal enhancements at Don Mueang Airport. The fee is also intended to strengthen long-term investments in safety, service quality, and capacity expansion to meet future travel demand.

AOT President Paweena Jariyathitipong stated that the increase is unlikely to impact passenger travel behaviour, citing surveys indicating that most travellers view the revised PSC as reasonable. Airlines have largely supported the move, while encouraging AOT to continue improving service standards.

Separately, AOT plans to seek approval to extend the PSC to transit and transfer passengers, a practice already followed by the majority of airports worldwide. The proposal is expected to improve cost recovery and provide additional resources for operational improvements.