Airports of Thailand (AOT) expects passenger traffic to grow by 3–6% in 2026, reaching between 130 and 135 million travelers, driven by continued expansion in charter flights and a strategy to attract higher-spending passenger segments.
Paweena Jariyathitipong, President of AOT, said the projection follows a record 126 million passengers handled across AOT’s six airports in 2025. During the first quarter of the 2026 fiscal year (October–December 2025), passenger numbers increased by 4% year-on-year.
She attributed the growth to AOT’s proactive market approach, particularly its focus on premium travelers and charter services. In the first three months of fiscal 2026 alone, Thailand welcomed 1,200 charter flights — up from around 900–1,000 flights recorded during the same period last year. Key growth markets include China and Japan.
Despite the positive traffic outlook, AOT noted that full-year revenue estimates remain subject to revision, partly due to the planned adjustment of the Passenger Service Charge (PSC).
The PSC for international departures, currently set at 730 baht per passenger, will increase to 1,120 baht to better align with actual operating costs. The higher charge is expected to generate an additional 10 billion baht in annual revenue for AOT.
However, Paweena cautioned that the revenue impact this year remains uncertain, as the new PSC rate has been approved but has not yet been officially implemented.
“As PSC revenue will not be collected for the entire year, its financial contribution will be fully reflected next year,” she said. “Next year, AOT’s revenue structure will better correspond with actual costs and help offset declining aeronautical income through PSC revenue.”
AOT is also studying the introduction of a PSC for transit passengers — a practice already adopted by more than 90% of airports worldwide — to more accurately reflect service costs and support improvements.
On the infrastructure front, AOT is preparing to seek Cabinet approval for a series of major investment projects aimed at expanding airport capacity.
One key project is the 12-billion-baht East Expansion of Suvarnabhumi Airport, which will raise annual passenger capacity to 70 million from the current 65 million. Originally approved in 2016, the project was delayed due to revisions in investment estimates. The bidding process is expected to begin within the next one to two months, with construction scheduled to take four years.
In addition, AOT plans to propose a 200-billion-baht South Terminal development. The project will include new passenger terminals, additional runways, and a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, ultimately increasing Suvarnabhumi Airport’s capacity to 120 million passengers per year.