Thailand Beats India, Malaysia, and Other Countries with Major 2026 Airport Tax Hike – Outbound Travelers to Face Higher Costs! What You Need to Know!

Published on December 7, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

In a significant development for global travel, Thailand has announced an increase in its airport tax for outbound passengers, set to take effect in early 2026. This move, aimed at funding infrastructure upgrades and managing the impacts of overtourism, marks a broader trend of rising travel-related costs worldwide. Other countries, including the United Kingdom, India, Malaysia, and Singapore, are also following suit, increasing airport fees and taxes in 2026. The changes will have a noticeable impact on the cost of air travel, especially for international travelers.

Who Will Be Affected by the Increase in Airport Taxes?

The tax increases will primarily affect outbound passengers flying from Thailand and other major international hubs. Travelers departing from airports like Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok will see an increase in the Passenger Service Charge (PSC). This change is expected to ripple through to other airports across Europe and Asia, affecting travelers flying to and from international destinations. The tax hikes come as airports across the globe struggle to balance increased passenger traffic with the need to upgrade aging infrastructure.

What Are the Details of Thailand’s Airport Tax Increase?

In Thailand, the airport tax increase will apply to outbound international flights beginning in 2026. The change will specifically impact passengers flying from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), and other major airports. While the exact amount of the increase is still to be finalized, the increase in fees is part of a larger regulatory shift that is impacting global airports. Thailand’s decision follows similar moves by other countries to increase travel-related taxes, such as Air Passenger Duty (APD) in the United Kingdom, the User Development Fee (UDF) changes in India, and the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) hike in Malaysia.

1. Thailand: Leading the Charge with Higher Airport Taxes

When: Effective from early 2026
Where: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK)
Thailand’s outbound airport taxes will rise significantly in 2026, with the goal of funding infrastructure improvements and addressing overtourism. The increase affects all international departures and follows similar moves by other countries looking to balance the growing travel demand with sustainable development.

Why it matters:

• This is a significant hike that will affect both leisure and business travelers.
• The funds are intended to support essential infrastructure upgrades at Thailand’s busiest airports.

2. United Kingdom: Air Passenger Duty (APD) to Rise

When: Increase for 2026
Where: London Heathrow (LHR), Manchester (MAN), Gatwick (LGW)
The UK government has confirmed that the Air Passenger Duty (APD) will see an increase in 2026. This tax, which applies to all flights departing from UK airports, will be raised to help fund infrastructure and environmental initiatives. The hike is inflation-linked and applies across all destination bands, but it hits long-haul flights and premium classes hardest.

Why it matters:

• Long-haul flights will see the highest increases.
• Premium class passengers will face steep charges, further increasing the cost of international travel from the UK.

3. India: User Development Fee (UDF) Increases to Fund Airport Expansion

When: Phased increases through 2026
Where: Mumbai (CSMIA), Bengaluru (BLR), Hyderabad (RGI)
India is introducing phased increases in the User Development Fee (UDF) at major airports. These changes, aimed at supporting capital expenditure programs like terminal redevelopment, will impact both domestic and international outbound passengers. Key airports like Mumbai and Bengaluru have already implemented these increases, which are set to continue through 2026.

Why it matters:

• The UDF hike will raise ticket prices for both domestic and international flights.
• Funds will be directed toward expanding and upgrading airport infrastructure to accommodate growing passenger numbers.

4. Malaysia: Passenger Service Charge (PSC) Raised for All Flights

When: Increase effective from June 2024
Where: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
Malaysia has already increased its Passenger Service Charge (PSC) for both domestic and international flights. This change affects passengers departing from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and other major airports. The increase is part of a broader push to fund airport upgrades and improve the country’s air travel infrastructure.

Why it matters:

• The increased PSC adds to the cost of flying from Malaysia, particularly affecting budget travelers and families.
• This fee contributes to Malaysia’s goal of modernizing its airports.

5. Singapore: Introducing Green Fuel Levy in 2026

When: Starting 2026
Where: Changi Airport (SIN)
Singapore is setting the stage for an eco-conscious future by introducing a green fuel levy starting in 2026. This new levy will be applied to all flights departing from Changi Airport. The goal is to fund the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a key initiative to reduce the carbon footprint of aviation.

Why it matters:

• The green fuel levy adds an environmental twist to the typical passenger charges.
• This new tax reflects Singapore’s commitment to sustainable aviation and the global push for eco-friendly travel.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

As airport taxes continue to rise across the globe, passengers can expect higher costs when booking their flights. Here are some key takeaways from these airport tax increases:

• Higher ticket prices: The added airport charges will be incorporated into ticket prices, raising costs for all passengers.
• Impact on long-haul travel: Travelers flying long distances or in premium classes will bear the brunt of the increases, especially in the UK and Thailand.
• Sustainability initiatives: The introduction of eco-friendly levies like Singapore’s green fuel levy reflects the growing trend of sustainable aviation in response to climate concerns.

How Can Travelers Prepare for These Changes?

Opt for Direct Flights: Direct flights might be a more cost-effective option when accounting for the rising taxes on layovers.

Plan Ahead: Be mindful of the increased taxes when budgeting for your next trip.

Check for Updates: Stay informed about specific charges at your departure airport and look for any discounted routes that might offset the added costs.

When Will the Increase Take Effect?

The Thailand airport tax increase will be implemented in early 2026 and will apply to all outbound international flights from the country. Passengers planning to travel from major Thai airports, such as Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, will need to account for the increased charges when purchasing their tickets. The increase in taxes is expected to be reflected in ticket prices as airlines adjust their fare structures. Similarly, the UK APD, India UDF, Malaysia PSC, and Singapore Green Fuel Levy will also take effect in 2026, further raising the cost of international travel for passengers flying from these countries.

Why Are Airport Taxes Increasing?

The main reason behind these increases is the need to fund the improvement of airport infrastructure across the globe. Many airports, including those in Thailand, the UK, India, Malaysia, and Singapore, are undergoing major upgrades and expansions to accommodate rising passenger numbers and the demands of modern air travel. The increased fees will also help address the negative environmental impacts of overtourism and promote sustainable travel practices.

Tourism levies and airport taxes are increasingly being used to balance the growth of international travel with the need to manage resources effectively. Airports are using the additional funds to upgrade runways, terminals, and air traffic management systems, as well as to incorporate green technologies like SAF to reduce the carbon footprint of aviation.

How Will This Affect Travelers?

Travelers can expect to see higher ticket prices as airlines pass on the increased airport taxes and charges to passengers. The rise in travel-related costs is a growing trend in the aviation sector, and it may discourage some travelers from taking long-haul flights or flying during peak seasons. However, the increased fees are necessary to ensure that airports remain operational and capable of handling the increasing demands of international travel.

Travelers should also be aware that many of these fees will be rolled into their ticket prices, so it is essential to factor in the cost increases when planning future trips. As airlines and airports adjust to these new charges, passengers will need to navigate higher ticket costs and potential service fees.

Conclusion

The increase in airport taxes across Thailand, the UK, India, Malaysia, and Singapore is part of a broader global trend that will shape the travel industry in 2026. While these increases will affect the cost of international travel, they are necessary to support the growing demands of the aviation sector and promote sustainable travel practices. Travelers planning to fly internationally should be prepared for higher ticket prices and factor in these increases when booking flights.