Thailand Increases Airport Departure Fees to Finance Expansion of Aviation Infrastructure
Government unveils higher charges for departing passengers as part of broader plan to modernise airports and boost capacity ahead of rising travel demand
The Thai government has approved an increase in airport departure charges to help fund a major programme of airport expansions and upgrades across the kingdom, officials announced in Bangkok on Friday.
The new fee structure, which raises the cost that passengers pay when departing Thailand by air, is intended to generate additional revenue to support modernisation of existing terminals, improvements in airfield capacity and enhancements to passenger services as the country positions itself for long-term growth in international and domestic travel.
Under the revised policy, which takes effect later this year, departure taxes at key international gateways including Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports will rise by several US dollars, with similar adjustments at regional hubs.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the Ministry of Transport said the increment is calibrated to ensure that Thailand’s charges remain competitive within Asia even with the higher receipts earmarked for infrastructure investment.
The funds will help underwrite projects such as runway extensions, new terminal buildings, improved baggage systems and enhanced security and customs facilities.
Tourism and aviation officials emphasised that the increased charges are a forward-looking measure designed to sustain Thailand’s position as a major travel gateway in Southeast Asia, accommodating growing passenger volumes and supporting seamless travel experiences.
Thailand’s tourism sector has been recovering robustly from the pandemic downturn, with visitor numbers returning to near-pre-COVID levels and airports experiencing strong traffic growth, prompting authorities to accelerate capacity-building plans.
Critics from the travel industry have cautioned that higher departure fees could marginally affect price-sensitive travellers and add to overall travel costs.
However, government representatives argue that the long-term benefits — including reduced congestion, shorter wait times and improved airport facilities — will ultimately enhance Thailand’s appeal as a global tourism and business destination.
The authorities said they will continue consultation with airlines and stakeholders to ensure that the implementation of the new charges is transparent and aligned with broader aviation sector goals.
The new fee structure, which raises the cost that passengers pay when departing Thailand by air, is intended to generate additional revenue to support modernisation of existing terminals, improvements in airfield capacity and enhancements to passenger services as the country positions itself for long-term growth in international and domestic travel.
Under the revised policy, which takes effect later this year, departure taxes at key international gateways including Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports will rise by several US dollars, with similar adjustments at regional hubs.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the Ministry of Transport said the increment is calibrated to ensure that Thailand’s charges remain competitive within Asia even with the higher receipts earmarked for infrastructure investment.
The funds will help underwrite projects such as runway extensions, new terminal buildings, improved baggage systems and enhanced security and customs facilities.
Tourism and aviation officials emphasised that the increased charges are a forward-looking measure designed to sustain Thailand’s position as a major travel gateway in Southeast Asia, accommodating growing passenger volumes and supporting seamless travel experiences.
Thailand’s tourism sector has been recovering robustly from the pandemic downturn, with visitor numbers returning to near-pre-COVID levels and airports experiencing strong traffic growth, prompting authorities to accelerate capacity-building plans.
Critics from the travel industry have cautioned that higher departure fees could marginally affect price-sensitive travellers and add to overall travel costs.
However, government representatives argue that the long-term benefits — including reduced congestion, shorter wait times and improved airport facilities — will ultimately enhance Thailand’s appeal as a global tourism and business destination.
The authorities said they will continue consultation with airlines and stakeholders to ensure that the implementation of the new charges is transparent and aligned with broader aviation sector goals.
