Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to raise its passenger service charge on outbound international flights at six main airports by 53%, and believes it will not affect passenger numbers.
AOT said the service charge would rise from 730 baht to 1,120 baht. The charge on domestic flights would remain the same.
The rise was planned for Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai airports.
According to AOT, the increase would raise an extra 10 billion baht a year and the money would be used to improve security and facilities at the airports.
Thailand is one of only a handful of countries with a service charge only on outbound flights. Most countries charge outbound, inbound and transit travellers, AOT said.
The Civil Aviation Board has approved the service charge increase in principle but it has yet to receive final approval from the transport minister.
AOT expects approval in May, after the general election.
