The Thailand Guides

Thailand Airport Fee Rises 53% for All International Departures From June

· 3 min read Travel News
Suvarnabhumi Airport terminal in Bangkok, Thailand's main international gateway

Contents

  1. Which airports are affected
  2. How it appears on your booking
  3. Why AOT is raising the charge
  4. Budget impact for travellers
  5. What to do before 20 June

Airports of Thailand (AOT) is raising its International Passenger Service Charge (PSC) from 730 baht to 1,120 baht per person, effective 20 June 2026. The increase applies to every international departure from six major airports and represents a 53% rise on the current rate.

Which airports are affected

The higher fee covers Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Don Mueang (DMK), Phuket International (HKT), Chiang Mai (CNX), Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai (CEI), and Hat Yai (HDY). Any international flight departing from these airports on or after 20 June will carry the updated charge, regardless of when the ticket was booked.

How it appears on your booking

The PSC is bundled into the ticket price by airlines at the time of sale — it is not collected separately at the check-in counter. If you book a new international ticket after the change takes effect, the 1,120 baht figure will be applied automatically. Passengers who bought tickets before 20 June but are flying on or after that date may see the surcharge adjusted in their fare breakdown. We recommend downloading your original booking confirmation now so the pre-increase fee structure is documented if any discrepancy appears later.

Why AOT is raising the charge

AOT says the additional revenue will fund the expansion of Suvarnabhumi’s eastern terminal and the third phase of Don Mueang’s development, alongside security improvements and passenger processing enhancements at major gateways. The projects are designed to lift the six-airport network to a combined capacity of 180 million passengers annually by 2034, timed to support Thailand’s target of 36.7 million foreign visitors in 2026. Current peak-hour congestion at both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang has drawn criticism from industry analysts, including the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), which publicly questioned whether cost increases were being matched by visible service improvements.

Budget impact for travellers

For a family of four on a return journey, the increase adds approximately 7,760 baht (around USD 215 at current exchange) compared with today’s rate. That figure compounds quickly when combined with the fuel surcharges Thai Airways and other carriers have raised this year in response to the jet fuel price spike — see our coverage of the May flight cuts for full surcharge figures. We have updated our Thailand budget guide to reflect the June changes.

What to do before 20 June

If you have flexibility over your outbound date, booking a departure before 20 June locks in the 730 baht rate. For travellers passing through Bangkok, our Bangkok city hub covers transport options from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. Those flying via Phuket will find current arrival and transfer information on our Phuket island guide. Travellers on extended stays using the Digital Thailand Visa (DTV, permitting up to 180 days) should factor the higher departure charge into their overall cost planning.

A separate tourist entry fee for air arrivals — currently proposed at above 300 baht — is also under review. That proposal has not yet been formally approved or scheduled; we will publish an update as soon as a decision is confirmed.