- Thailand's Civil Aviation Board approved a 53% hike in international airport tax
- The fee will rise from 730 baht to 1,120 baht at six major airports nationwide
- Additional revenue will fund airport upgrades, safety, and passenger service improvements
Thailand is preparing for a significant change that will affect international visitors passing through its busiest airports, including the growing number of Indian leisure and business travellers. According to a report by The Bangkok Post, the Civil Aviation Board has approved a 53% hike in the passenger service charge, commonly known as the airport tax, for all outbound international passengers.
The move comes as Thailand continues to upgrade airport facilities and manage surging tourist numbers, especially in gateway hubs such as Bangkok and Phuket. For travellers, the decision raises important questions about costs, timelines, and how the revised fee will be implemented in the coming months.
Aviation Board Proposes Increase In Airport Tax
The Civil Aviation Board has accepted a proposal from Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) to increase the airport tax for international departures from 730 baht (Rs 2100) to 1,120 baht (Rs 3200). Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, who chaired the meeting, confirmed the development, The Bangkok Post reported.
AOT operates six major airports across the country - Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Chiang Rai - all of which will adopt the revised fee once implemented.
The passenger service charge for domestic flights, however, remains unchanged at 130 baht (Rs 370).
Also Read: Travelling To Thailand? What To Keep In Mind After India's New Advisory
What Is The Passenger Service Charge?
The passenger service charge is a mandatory airport fee collected to fund the maintenance, operation and improvement of airport facilities. It helps support essential services such as terminal upkeep, passenger amenities, safety upgrades and operational infrastructure at airports.
How Do Travellers Pay The Airport Tax?
Passengers do not need to pay the amount separately at the airport. The charge is automatically included in the price of flight tickets at the time of booking, making the process seamless for travellers.
When Will The New Rate Take Effect?
According to The Bangkok Post, the increase is expected to come into effect early next year. Before that, AOT will seek further feedback, submit detailed justifications to the transport minister for final approval, and then publicly announce the new rate at least four months before enforcement.
Why Is Thailand Increasing The Airport Tax?
AOT earlier stated that the higher fee is projected to generate approximately 10 billion baht in additional annual revenue. This calculation is based on an estimated 35 million international passengers travelling through its six airports every year.
The Civil Aviation Board noted that the increased revenue will be used to enhance passenger convenience, improve airport services and strengthen safety standards - developments that are particularly important as Thailand's aviation sector continues to expand.
