BANGKOK: The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is set to consider a slight increase in passenger service charges (PSC) at six international airports operated by Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) and one airport managed by the Department of Airports, likely to take effect next month.
CAAT Office director Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon said he would propose the rate adjustment at the next CAAT board meeting, expected to be held in November. The additional revenue would be used to further improve airport facilities and enhance service quality.
Six AOT airports to see international PSC rise
Manat said the six AOT-operated international airports would see their PSC for outbound international passengers rise from 730 baht to 735 baht per person. The affected airports are:
1) Suvarnabhumi International Airport
2) Don Mueang International Airport
3) Phuket International Airport
4) Chiang Mai International Airport
5) Hat Yai International Airport
6) Mae Fah Luang–Chiang Rai International Airport
He added that the increase would apply only to international departures.
Trang Airport charges to rise for both domestic and international flights
The CAAT will also consider adjusting PSC rates at Trang Airport, managed by the Department of Airports. The proposed increase would raise fees for international flights from 400 to 425 baht per passenger, and for domestic flights from 50 to 75 baht per passenger.
Six regional airports already raised charges
Earlier, the CAAT approved PSC increases at six regional airports where three types of automatic self-service kiosks — for ticket scanning, self check-in, and baggage loading — have been installed.
These higher charges came into effect on October 1 at the following airports:
- Krabi
- Surat Thani
- Ubon Ratchathani
- Khon Kaen
- Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Phitsanulok
Proposal to ease aircraft age restrictions
Manat added that the CAAT would also be asked to lift restrictions on the maximum age of aircraft allowed to operate in Thailand, in order to strengthen the competitiveness of the country’s aviation industry.
He noted that the global aviation sector is facing aircraft shortages, as manufacturers are unable to meet rising demand for new planes.
At present, CAAT regulations stipulate that:
- Passenger aircraft must be no more than 16 years old from the date of manufacture.
- Cargo aircraft must be no more than 22 years old.
- Helicopters must be no more than five years old. - The Nation/ANN
