The 53% increase will apply at the six airports run by the company: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, reports the Bangkok Post. The domestic passenger fee remains unchanged at B130, AOT said.
The Civil Aviation Board approved the change on Dec 3, 2025, AOT president Paweena Jariyathitipong confirmed yesterday.
Studies used to support the decision indicate that the PSC - included in the final price of flight tickets - accounts for only a small proportion compared with airfare and other travel expenses, and is not expected to affect passengers’ overall travel decisions, she said.
AOT projects the increase will add about B13 billion to its revenue in fiscal 2027, to be used as investment capital for future projects. A key use of funds will be for a new South Terminal at Suvarnabhumi airport, a project valued at more than B200bn.
The company stressed that revenue from the higher PSC is intended to help it improve its cost structure, reduce reliance on borrowing and interest burdens, and strengthen financial resilience rather than maximise profit.
The airport operator also noted that more than 90% of airports worldwide levy fees on both departing and transit/transfer passengers, while Thailand remains among a small minority - roughly 5% - that charges only departing passengers, thus limiting long-term revenue potential.
Value for travellers?
Although AOT maintains that the PSC increase is in line with international practice, critics question whether passengers are getting value for money.
Former Democrat Party deputy leader Samart Ratchapolsitte questioned the rise, arguing the key issue is not the size of the increase but what passengers would receive in return.
He said that after the adjustment, the fee at Suvarnabhumi would exceed that at many of the world’s top-rated hubs, even though Suvarnabhumi ranked only 39th in the latest Skytrax list.
He cited indicative PSC levels at leading airports: Singapore’s Changi (about B1,600), Doha’s Hamad and Tokyo Haneda (B600), Seoul Incheon (B370), Tokyo Narita (B640) and Hong Kong (B800).
“If travellers pay at global levels, what service level will they get?” he asked.
Mr Samart warned the hike could push up airfares on low-cost routes by 7–10% on typical four- to five-hour flights priced at B4,000 to B5,000, potentially eroding Thailand’s price competitiveness and diverting tourists to cheaper destinations. The broader concern could be the long-term impact on the tourism economy.
He argued that PSC revenue should be transparently channelled into tangible service upgrades - shorter queues at immigration and security, faster baggage systems, adequate seating and toilets, reliable high-speed Wi-Fi, and fully functional self check-in and biometrics - alongside enhanced security and expanded infrastructure to relieve congestion.
“If passengers can clearly see improvements, I believe most are willing to pay,” Mr Samart said.
“In short, higher prices are not the problem, provided they deliver value for passengers.”