Airport fees are rising: travelers in Thailand have to pay more!

Airport fees are rising: travelers in Thailand have to pay more!

Aviation in Thailand is taking new heights, especially with a recent increase in passenger fees at various airports. As Nation Thailand reports, the latest increase at Trang Airport only affects international departures. Buckle up, because the fees for international flights are increasing from 400 to 425 Baht per passenger and domestic flights are not spared either: In the future, travelers will have to pay 75 Baht instead of the previous 50 Baht.

What is particularly exciting is that the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is reviewing the adjustment of the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) rates at Trang Airport. These adjustments are part of an overarching strategy aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the Thai aviation industry. The current challenges facing the global aviation industry, such as the shortage of aircraft, require bold steps at the national level.

Increases at several airports

The fee adjustment does not only affect Trang Airport. Six other regional airports - Krabi, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phitsanulok - already put their fees into effect on October 1. As Thailand Tip adds, the adjustments are intended to help transform the airports to an international level, including the implemented technologies such as self-service check-in and automated baggage drop systems.

Department of Airports (DOA) Director General Danai Ruangsorn highlighted the need to adapt fee structures to modern standards. These changes are consistent with a 2021 resolution to comprehensively modernize public airport operations.

The impact on travelers

For passengers traveling on domestic flights, this means that they will find the new airport tax directly in the ticket price. The additional 25 baht per person for the passenger fee is an integral part of the ticket price for all travelers, whether international or domestic. It shows that airports are willing to integrate modern technologies to improve passenger comfort and safety while keeping operational costs transparent.

The mood in the country is mixed; While some travelers understand the need for these adjustments, there are also voices concerned about rising costs. Nevertheless, it remains clear: modernizing the infrastructure is a step in the right direction in order to assert oneself in an increasingly competitive market.

Stay tuned for more updates on developments in the aviation industry here in Chiang Mai and beyond!