Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) has confirmed that international passengers departing from its six airports will face a higher passenger service charge from June 20, 2026, with the fee set to increase from 730 baht to 1,120 baht per person.
The revised charge will apply to travellers flying internationally from Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai airports, all of which are operated by AOT.
Thursday’s announcement effectively put an end to months of speculation surrounding whether the controversial increase would ultimately move forward, despite the proposal already having cleared several stages of approval.
The Civil Aviation Board initially approved the increase in principle in December 2025, though the measure still required additional ministerial and regulatory endorsements before implementation could proceed.
AOT later issued a formal notification to the Stock Exchange of Thailand and the public on February 20, officially confirming the new 1,120-baht rate and identifying June 20, as the implementation date, turning the proposal into official policy.
The latest reaffirmation is widely viewed as the final step before enforcement, with approval from the Ministry of Transport now completed and no further postponement anticipated.
AOT president Paweena Jariyathitipong said revenue generated from the higher charge would be directed towards airport modernisation, safety enhancements, and expanded passenger capacity.
She pointed to investment in automated passenger processing systems such as CUPPS, alongside large-scale infrastructure projects including terminal expansion plans and the development of Suvarnabhumi Airport’s South Terminal.
AOT has also maintained that the increase is designed to support long-term airport investment and operational improvements, rather than offset declining duty-free income.
The company previously stressed that the passenger service charge was not a tax, adding that the funds would be allocated towards airport operations and future infrastructure development.
Paweena acknowledged the possibility of slightly higher airfare costs but said AOT did not expect the adjustment to significantly influence travel demand, arguing that Thailand’s airport fees would remain competitive compared with certain regional hubs.
Nevertheless, the move has sparked criticism from both aviation analysts and members of the public.
Former Bangkok deputy governor Samart Ratchapolsitte criticised the increase in an online post, arguing that Suvarnabhumi Airport’s passenger service charge would exceed fees imposed at major international gateways such as South Korea’s Incheon Airport and Japan’s Haneda Airport, despite Thailand still trailing behind in airport rankings.
“When passengers are paying at a world-class level, what level of service will they receive?” he asked.
Samart further warned that budget-conscious travellers would likely feel the impact most heavily. He noted that for airfares priced between 4,000 and 5,000 baht, an additional charge of nearly 400 baht could instantly raise total travel costs by roughly 7-10%.
The proposed increase remained heavily debated throughout March and April, with critics repeatedly questioning whether passengers had received sufficient transparency regarding how the additional revenue would be spent.
The Thailand Development Research Institute also called for clearer public explanations, stating that AOT had yet to adequately outline the additional costs behind the increase or clearly demonstrate how the funds would support future airport expansion projects.
The continuing debate helped sustain widespread uncertainty over whether the fee hike would actually proceed, even after AOT’s official February announcement.
Concerns have also intensified due to broader pressures affecting the travel sector, particularly rising global oil prices linked to conflict in the Middle East, which have already pushed airlines to absorb higher fuel expenses and introduce increased fuel surcharges.
Against that backdrop, critics argue that the higher passenger service charge places yet another financial burden on Thai travellers at a time when overall travel expenses are already climbing.
The June 20 implementation is expected to serve as a key test for AOT, as passengers and industry observers closely monitor whether the higher fees translate into noticeable improvements across airport operations and passenger experience.
Much of the criticism has centred on concerns over value for money, lengthy immigration queues, and the overall quality of passenger facilities.
AOT now faces mounting pressure to demonstrate that Thailand’s airports can deliver service standards that justify the significantly higher charge.
