Thailand’s New Airport Tax Surge With A Jaw-Dropping Fifty-Three Percent Increase In 2026 And How It Will Impact Your Travel Budget

Published on December 8, 2025

Thailand is set to introduce a staggering 53% increase in its airport tax in 2026, a move that will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the travel industry. The new tax surge, aimed at boosting infrastructure development and improving airport facilities, is expected to significantly impact both domestic and international travelers. This increase could substantially raise the cost of flying into Thailand, affecting the overall travel budget for tourists planning to visit the country. In this article, we explore how this hefty rise in airport tax will influence flight prices, travel planning, and what it means for travelers heading to Thailand in the near future.

Thailand is preparing for a major increase in its airport tax for international flights starting in 2026. The Civil Aviation Council recently approved a proposal from Airports of Thailand (AOT) to raise the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) from 730 baht to 1,120 baht for international travelers. This decision, made on December 3, will directly impact passengers flying out of the country’s six major airports. However, domestic flights will remain unaffected, with the PSC for local travel remaining at 130 baht. This change will significantly affect international travelers, who will face an additional 390 baht (approximately $10.52) in airport taxes, which will be included in the price of their tickets.

The new tax will be applied to international passengers departing from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports in Bangkok, as well as airports in Phuket (HKT), Chiang Mai (CNX), Hat Yai (HDY), and Chiang Rai (CEI). These airports are the key international gateways for Thailand, catering to millions of travelers every year. The increase in the airport tax is expected to take effect at the start of 2026, with the revised charge set to be published four months before its implementation, following the approval process by the Minister of Transport.

While the 53% hike in the PSC might seem modest at first glance, it will add up over time, especially for frequent international travelers. The new surcharge will be added to the cost of the flight, which means that travelers will see a direct increase in their ticket prices. For example, long-haul flights could see an increase of approximately $10 to $15 per ticket, depending on the airline and the specific route. Although this might not seem like a significant amount for some, for budget-conscious travelers, it could have a noticeable impact.

The decision to raise the airport tax is part of a broader effort by Airports of Thailand to fund a comprehensive modernization program for the country’s airports. AOT aims to generate an additional 10 billion baht annually from this tax increase, which will be used to improve airport infrastructure across Thailand. With an expected 35 million international passengers annually, these funds will be crucial in modernizing terminals, expanding airport facilities, and enhancing the overall travel experience.

The most significant changes are expected at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the busiest airport in the country. The increase in tax revenue will help alleviate congestion at this major hub by funding the expansion of terminal spaces, the construction of new facilities, and the upgrade of essential services such as baggage handling, check-in counters, and immigration processing. In addition to improving the capacity of the airport, these changes aim to make the overall travel experience more comfortable and efficient for passengers.

One of the key reasons behind the increase in the PSC is the significant growth in air traffic following the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world slowly recovers and international travel resumes, airports in Thailand have seen a substantial rise in the number of passengers, especially at major hubs like Suvarnabhumi. In response to this surge in traffic, AOT is focusing on upgrading infrastructure to ensure that airports can handle the growing demand without sacrificing the quality of service.

Apart from terminal upgrades, the increased revenue will also go toward improving security and safety measures at airports. With heightened concerns over global security and passenger safety, these improvements are critical to ensuring that airports remain safe and secure for all travelers. Additional funds will be allocated to the installation of modern security technologies, which will help reduce wait times and improve the overall efficiency of the security process.

For airlines operating out of Thailand, this increase in airport tax could lead to higher ticket prices, as many carriers are likely to pass on the additional costs to passengers. Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific are some of the major international airlines that frequently operate flights to and from Thailand. These airlines will likely adjust their ticket prices to account for the increased PSC. While some airlines might absorb the costs in highly competitive markets, others may choose to pass the surcharge directly onto passengers, particularly for long-haul flights.

For passengers, the higher tax could have a greater impact, especially for families and budget travelers. While the increase may not seem substantial for business-class passengers or frequent flyers, it may be a larger burden for those traveling on a budget or booking low-cost carriers. Many travelers might also see indirect increases in the form of higher service fees or adjusted ticket pricing, making long-haul travel from Thailand more expensive than before.

However, there are some positive aspects to the tax increase. The revenue generated from the higher PSC will help create a better experience for travelers in the long run. The planned modernization will reduce congestion, improve passenger flow, and enhance amenities at major Thai airports. Passengers will benefit from better lounges, shorter processing times, more comfortable seating, and modernized equipment. The expanded and improved terminals will make the travel experience more enjoyable, especially for those traveling on long-haul flights.

In addition to Suvarnabhumi, airports in Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, and Chiang Rai will also receive upgrades. These airports play a crucial role in Thailand’s tourism industry, as they cater to a significant number of international travelers heading to popular tourist destinations. With better facilities, these airports will be better equipped to serve the increasing number of visitors, ensuring that travelers enjoy a smoother and more efficient journey.

Thailand’s airport tax is set to rise by a staggering 53% in 2026 to fund crucial infrastructure improvements, significantly impacting travel budgets for both domestic and international tourists. This surge will likely lead to higher flight costs, affecting overall trip expenses.

while the increase in airport taxes may seem like an added cost for travelers, the long-term benefits, such as enhanced infrastructure and improved services, should ultimately improve the overall travel experience. The funds generated by the tax hike will help ensure that Thailand’s airports can handle the growing number of passengers while maintaining high standards of safety, efficiency, and comfort. For travelers, especially those who regularly visit Thailand, these improvements will enhance their overall experience, ensuring that the country remains a top destination for global travelers.