Thailand Announces Higher International Departure Charges for Passengers at AOT Airports from June 20: Everything You Need to Know

Thailand Announces Higher International Departure Charges for Passengers at AOT Airports from June 20: Everything You Need to Know

Thailand Announces Higher International Departure Charges for Passengers at AOT Airports from June 20: Everything You Need to Know

Starting June 20, 2026, airports in Thailand will implement changes to how international travelers will pay for departure fees. The Airports of Thailand (AOT) stated that the new International Passenger Service Charge (PSC) will apply equally to all six of its major international airports in Thailand, which is 1,120 Baht (approximately S$45.60). The new charge is in accordance with the new policy established by the Civil Aviation Board, thus leaving the previous charge of 730 Baht in the past. This change is expected to bring in a significant increase in revenue, which will also, in turn, provide more airports with the ability to provide their travelers with enhanced services.

AOT Outlining New Departure Fee Charges Across Six Major Airports

The new fee structure will apply to airports including, but is not limited to, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, Chiang Mai Airport, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai Airport, Phuket Airport, and Hat Yai Airport. All passengers (including infants) and travelers from Thailand to international countries will have to pay 1,120 Baht for the International Departure Service Charge. The Domestic Passenger Service Charge, however, will remain the same at 130 Baht. This is the 2026 official publication of the AOT International Passenger Service Charge. On December 3, 2025, the Civil Aviation Board approved AOT’s request to increase the Passenger Service Charge (PSC), which will now be set at 390 baht. This increase is in relation to the operating costs for upgrades at the airports in Thailand, to support growing international travel.

Increased Costs: Justification, Service Improvements, and Revenues

AOT is clear that the new charges are not taxes. AOT describes the needs as adjustments to charges that will now be more reflective of the airport operational costs. Anticipated revenue from the increased PSC is around 10 billion baht (USD 275 million) per year and will be earmarked for the improvement of services to passengers and airlines. Improvements of services will include upgrades to airport infrastructure, processing of passengers, airport experience, and services.

The AOT management shows confidence through customer surveys they have conducted that record increases in the International PSC will not be a detracting factor that will impact the number of travelers, and AOT is happy to have Thailand International Airports remain competitive in all the varying pricing levels of the International Airport Pricing Structures operating across the world.

Capital Projects and Airport Services of AOT

The renewed Passenger Service Charge will allow AOT to continuously provide and improve the services and infrastructure of all AOT Airports. Among the major constructions are the Satellite Terminal 1 of the Suvarnabhumi Airport and improvements of the airport Don Mueang Passenger Terminal. There will be other infrastructure improvements deployed to be more effective in decreasing travelers’ waiting times, especially in the check-in areas, and thereby improving the safety and comfort of the travelers.

To improve travelers’ services, AOT will implement a Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) across its Airports. AOT aims to improve efficiency by minimizing congestion, and providing a more pleasant experience to travelers from all key Thailand airports.

Industry Support and Stakeholder Engagement

Thai-based airlines have accepted how AOT plans to adjust the PSC after AOT has amended their operational costs and have acknowledged the operational costs. However, airlines have requested AOT to adjust operational costs and improve the quality of customer service. AOT has responded to this feedback and has improved operational and service enhancements.

Therefore, even though the charge increase is expected to impact AOT’s revenue negatively, AOT does not believe losing customers to the competition is an issue. When compared to other major regional hubs, Thailand’s major airports are not as expensive as the rest of Southeast Asia, making the Thailand major airports the best to fly (or in simple words, the cheapest).

AOT’s Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

AOT has said that the PSC is clearly visible to the relevant government ministers. AOT is taking action to be more proactive in their efforts to charge customers and maintain accountability to the government.

Improving the customer journey is a priority for AOT, and the first step is refining customer actions and behavior regarding the new departure fees. Traveling through Thailand’s airports will also include new customer-facing services.

Conclusion

The new international departure fees coming in June 2026 at Thailand’s major airports will be the first step in a series of improvements coming to the country’s airports. AOT expects to generate more revenue with each new service to meet customer demands. Thailand’s AOT airports will offer customers a more convenient airport experience.

While the new fees may be a small change, it will allow AOT to improve services for passengers traveling domestically and internationally.

Improvements in PSC will allow passengers departing Thailand to have a more comfortable experience as the airports will be improving continuously. AOT is committed to the affordability and quality of the airport services to the customers in Southeast Asia.

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