Thailand’s Airports of Thailand (AOT) has confirmed a significant increase to the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) – commonly known as the airport departure fee – for international travelers departing from six AOT-operated airports.
Key Details About the Thailand Airport Departure Fee Increase
According to AOT’s official announcement, the international departure PSC will rise from 730 baht to 1,120 baht per passenger – an increase of approximately 390 baht (about 53%).
The new fee takes effect on 20 June 2026.
Which Airports Are Affected by the Higher International PSC?
The increase applies specifically to six AOT-operated airports:
- Suvarnabhumi (BKK)
- Don Mueang (DMK)
- Chiang Mai (CNX)
- Mae Fah Luang–Chiang Rai (CEI)
- Phuket (HKT)
- Hat Yai (HDY)
The fee increase applies only to these six AOT-operated airports. Non-AOT airports in Thailand are not affected by this change.
Domestic Flights: No Change to Departure PSC
The domestic departure PSC remains unchanged at 130 baht. There is no increase to domestic departure fees at this time.
How the Fee Appears in Your Ticket Price
The Passenger Service Charge is generally embedded in airline ticket prices rather than collected separately at the airport. For most travelers, the higher cost is expected to be reflected in the price of airfare purchased for travel on or after 20 June 2026.
Travelers holding tickets issued before 20 June 2026 are generally not expected to incur an additional PSC charge, though this may not apply if a booking is subsequently reissued or modified – in which case airline-specific policies on PSC recalculation would apply. Travelers with upcoming bookings close to the effective date should confirm the position directly with their carrier.
Why Thailand Is Raising the Airport Departure Fee
AOT has stated that the revenue generated from the higher PSC will fund ongoing airport infrastructure upgrades and service enhancements.
The underlying approval for this change dates back to a decision by the Civil Aviation Board in December 2025, meaning the increase had been scheduled for approximately six months before taking effect.
What the Thailand PSC Increase Means for International Travelers
For readers planning international travel from these six Thai airports:
- Tourists and short-term visitors departing Thailand on or after 20 June 2026 can expect slightly higher airfare costs, as the increased fee is typically included in ticket prices.
- Expatriates and frequent travelers making multiple international trips per year may see a cumulative increase in travel costs.
- Business travelers departing from AOT airports should factor the higher fee into travel budgets for bookings made after the effective date.
The PSC increase adds approximately 390 baht per international departure. For frequent flyers transiting through Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai multiple times a year, the cumulative cost impact is worth factoring into forward travel planning.
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Travelers should verify with their airline whether the PSC is included in the ticket price or whether any separate payment arrangements apply, as practices may vary by carrier. This is particularly relevant for tickets issued close to the effective date or for itineraries involving reissued or modified bookings.
Looking Ahead
Thailand’s international departure PSC has risen by approximately 53% effective 20 June 2026, applying to all six AOT-operated airports. For most travelers the increase will appear within the ticket price rather than as a separate airport charge. If you are planning international travel from Thailand and want to understand how this and other regulatory changes may affect your costs or plans, we can help you work through the details.
Have a question about traveling from or relocating to Thailand? Ask us here and we’ll help you work through it.
References
Airports of Thailand (AOT) – Official PSC Announcement (via CAPA Centre for Aviation) The Straits Times – Thailand raises airport departure fee from 20 June 2026 Easia Travel – AOT International PSC Advisory (commercial)
This article is based on officially verified sources current as of 20 June 2026. Requirements and fees change frequently. Always confirm your specific situation directly with your airline, travel provider, or Airports of Thailand.
