The Civil Aviation Board has approved a 53% increase in the passenger service charge, commonly known as the airport tax, for outbound passengers on international flights.

The board on Wednesday approved an application by Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) to raise the charge for international flights from 730 baht to 1,120 baht, said Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn who chaired the meeting.

The passenger service charge is included in the price of airport tickets at the time of purchase. It is expected to take effect early next year.

The passenger service charge for domestic flights remains unchanged at 130 baht.

AOT operates six major airports — Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Chiang Rai.

The company will gather feedback and present details to seek approval for the fee increase from the transport minister. It will then publicise the new rate four months before imposing it.

AOT said earlier that it expected the increase in the airport tax would generate around 10 billion baht in additional revenue per year, based on an average of 35 million international passengers passing through its six airports annually.

The Civil Aviation Board said the fee increase would lead to better airport service and safety as the revenue would be invested in more facilities for passengers’ convenience at the airports.