Thailand: your plane ticket will cost more in 2026, here's why

Thailand will increase its airport taxes by 53% for international flights starting from 2026, here's how it will affect your trip.

On Wednesday, December 3, the Civil Aviation Council approved a request from Airports of Thailand (AOT) to increase the tax on international flights from 730 baht to 1,120 baht.

Passenger service fees for domestic flights remain unchanged at 130 baht.

The airport tax is included in the price of plane tickets at the time of purchase.

It is expected to come into effect at the beginning of 2026.

AOT will collect comments, request approval from the Minister of Transport, and then publish the new rate four months before its implementation.

The government's decision means that international passengers departing from the six major Thai airports will have to pay a new passenger service charge (PSC) of 1,120 baht instead of the current 730 baht.

AOT manages the two Bangkok airports (Suvarnabhumi – BKK and Don Mueang – DMK), as well as Phuket (HKT), Chiang Mai (CNX), Hat Yai (HDY), and Chiang Rai (CEI).

For travelers, this translates to a surcharge of around 390 bahts ($10.52) added to the price of their ticket.

This measure is part of a broader plan by AOT to collect around 10 billion bahts per year, funds earmarked for modernizing airport infrastructure across the country.

What does this mean for your next vacation?

Passengers at Phuket Airport. Photo: Bangkok Post

Soon, airlines are expected to pass on this additional cost to passengers.

However, the good news is that you may also benefit from smoother, less congested airports and improved facilities if AOT delivers on its modernization promises.

This increase, which will affect international passengers departing Thailand, will inevitably have an impact on many aspects of the travel experience, including ticket prices, airport services, and overall travel planning.

With major airlines such as Thai Airways and Singapore Airlines operating frequent connections to and from Thailand, this tax increase will have an impact on the entire travel ecosystem.

What the 53% increase in airport taxes means for travelers

A family of tourists cycling in a town in Thailand. Photo: Apichart Jinakul

Thailand is a top tourist destination for millions of international visitors each year.

From the bustling city of Bangkok to the beaches of Phuket and the cultural sites of Chiang Mai, the country's rich history, diverse culture, and warm hospitality attract tourists from around the world.

However, starting in 2026, all international travelers departing from Thailand's six major airports will face a substantial increase in their airport tax.

The Passenger Service Charge (PSC), currently at 730 baht (around €19.68), will rise to 1,120 baht (around €30.20), representing a 53% increase.

This tax is included in the price of your air ticket and, although it may seem minimal at first glance, its cumulative effect on millions of passengers could be significant for both tourists and the industry.

This change is expected to generate an additional 10 billion baht per year, based on around 35 million annual international passengers, which will be used to fund the modernization of Thai airport infrastructure.

These improvements will primarily focus on expanding terminals and enhancing services to accommodate the growing number of international passengers, particularly at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, the country's busiest airport.

With the growth of air traffic following the pandemic, these investments aim to reduce congestion and improve the travel experience for both tourists and local passengers.

What will be the impact on your next flight?

Airplanes from different airlines in Thailand. Photo: Fl360 Aero

If you plan to travel to Thailand with major airlines such as Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates or Cathay Pacific, the increase in airport taxes will have a direct impact on the price of your ticket.

For airlines, this additional cost will either be absorbed by the airlines or passed on to customers, depending on the airlines' pricing policies and market conditions.

For operators such as Thai Airways, which operates many popular international routes from Thailand, this tax hike could lead to an increase in ticket prices, especially for long-haul flights.

However, in competitive markets, airlines may be hesitant to increase their fares too much, fearing that passengers will choose other destinations or more affordable routes.

This could lead some airlines, such as Singapore Airlines, which operates many flights to Southeast Asia, to choose to absorb some of the increase or gradually adjust their fares over time.

It is important to note that if Singapore Airlines and other international carriers are affected, travelers who book with these airlines may see the tax increase reflected in the price of their tickets, both for outbound and return flights.

In some cases, this increase could lead to a rise of $10 to $15 per ticket, a price increase that could be felt more harshly by budget travelers and families.

How improvements to Thai airports will benefit you

Tourist in a Thai airport. Photo: The Nation Thailand

While the airport tax increase may seem like an additional expense at first glance, the generated revenue will enable essential infrastructure improvements that will benefit travelers in the long run.

According to the Civil Aviation Council, these revenues will also be used to strengthen security in airports.

Here are some of the main benefits to expect:

Improved terminal capacity

The new south terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport will help reduce congestion, making it easier for passengers to pass through security, immigration, and customs controls.

An enhanced travel experience

More comfortable lounges, shorter processing times, and modernized equipment will make your stay at the airport more enjoyable.

This is particularly important for long-haul flights, where a smooth transfer experience can greatly enhance the journey.

Better facilities for international travelers

The planned improvements will enhance the services available at airports such as Chiang Mai and Phuket, which welcome millions of international visitors each year.

Travelers will benefit from a higher level of comfort thanks to the increased capacity and service offerings at these airports.

Long-term benefits

For regular visitors to Thailand, these improvements will help maintain the competitiveness and efficiency of the country's airports, thus supporting the overall growth of the tourism industry.

Conclusion

Tourists in an airport.

Despite the tax increase, infrastructure improvements funded by this increase will ultimately benefit travelers, offering them a smoother and more comfortable travel experience in Thailand.

By planning ahead and budgeting for the tax increase, tourists will be able to continue to enjoy all that Thailand has to offer without being caught off guard by the new airport fees.

Whether you visit the beaches of Phuket, the cultural treasures of Chiang Mai, or the bustling streets of Bangkok, Thailand will remain a destination of choice for millions of travelers in 2026 and beyond.

See also:

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AirAsia: flights up to 50% cheaper between Asia, Europe and the USA

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Baht too strong: Bank of Thailand prepares emergency measures

Thailand Travel: Complete Guide to Preparing Your Trip

Source : TTW, The Nation Thailand