The Department of Airports plans to raise the passenger service charge (PSC) on departing travellers on international flights at its 22 airports by 50% to 600 baht.
The rate for domestic flights, now at 50 baht, remains the same, he said.
The airports currently charge 400 baht per passenger for international flights and 50 baht for domestic flights, much lower than other airports, director-general Darun Saengchai said on Saturday.
“The rate is very low and has not be revised for a long time. We believe the hike won’t affect tourists and airlines as it is still lower than the average of those charged by other international airports,” he said.
The department will seek approval for the hike from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, of which board will meet this month.
By comparison, Suvarnabhumi, operated by Airports of Thailand Plc, charges 700 baht for international trips and 100 baht for domestic flights.
The department operates 28 provincial airports: Mae Hong Son, Pai, Mae Sariang, Lampang, Phrae, Nan, Mae Sot, Tak, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Loei, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Roi Et, Ubon Ratchathani, Buri Ram, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Hua Hin, Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, Trang, Pattani and Narathiwat.
Four of them -- those in Udon Thani, Tak, Sakon Nakhon and Chumphon -- will be transferred to Airports of Thailand Plc after the cabinet approved the plan last month.