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Thailand Raises Departure Taxes to Boost Airport Growth

Thailand is set to join countries like Singapore, the United Kingdom, Japan, the United States, France, and Sweden as it raises its airport departure taxes by over fifty percent, starting June 20, 2026. This increase in the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) applies to international travelers and is aimed at strengthening Thailand’s airport infrastructure for future growth. With a surge in passenger traffic and the recovery of the tourism sector, the additional funds will be directed towards expanding terminal capacity, upgrading baggage systems, and improving passenger services, ensuring that Thai airports can accommodate rising demand and remain competitive on the global stage. In a move that is set to increase the cost of international travel, Thailand will raise its Passenger Service Charges (PSC) by over fifty percent starting on June 20, 2026. This fee hike, approved by Thailand’s Civil Aviation Board in December 2025, will apply to all international flights departing from major airports in the country. As Thailand joins a growing list of nations implementing similar charges, passengers will need to brace for higher costs. This article will explore the details of the fee increase, the countries already implementing similar measures, and what this means for travelers. What’s Changing in Thailand’s Airport Departure Charges? Thailand’s Airports of Thailand (AOT) has announced that international passengers departing from six major airports will face a substantial increase in their Passenger Service Charge (PSC). The fee, which previously stood at 730 baht (around Rs 2,133), will rise by over fifty percent to 1,120 baht (approximately Rs 3,273). The increase will apply to all international departures from the following airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport Don Mueang International Airport Phuket International Airport Chiang Mai International Airport Hat Yai International Airport Chiang Rai International Airport This adjustment, which will be automatically included in ticket prices at the time of booking, aims to fund infrastructure upgrades at these airports, supporting their growing passenger traffic. AOT has emphasized that the funds will be used to enhance airport capacity, modernize baggage handling systems, and improve check-in facilities, ensuring a better experience for international travelers.

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Air Arabia Launches Ramadan Sale Across Key Markets

UAE is joining an exclusive list of countries, including Bahrain, Syria, Russia, Egypt, Qatar, Poland, Oman, Lebanon, and Kuwait, in Air Arabia’s highly anticipated Ramadan Discount Extravaganza. This special promotion offers travelers the opportunity to save up to 40% on flights, making it the perfect time to book that dream vacation. As Ramadan approaches, Air Arabia is providing an unbeatable deal for travelers in the UAE and other participating countries, enabling them to explore new destinations at an affordable price. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a cultural getaway, or a relaxing escape, this is the ideal opportunity to experience the best of the world while enjoying significant savings. Air Arabia, the Sharjah-based low-cost airline, has launched an exciting new promotion for UAE residents who are planning to travel during Ramadan or the early summer season. This special offer allows passengers to enjoy significant savings of up to 40% on flights to various destinations. The airline has extended the offer to a wide range of routes across the Middle East, Europe, and other popular tourist spots, making it easier for travelers to book affordable tickets for their upcoming trips. The promotion is designed to cater to travelers looking to book flights for the period between March 25 and June 15, 2026, with bookings available until February 25, 2026. To avail of the discount, passengers can use the promo code “RAMADAN” when booking their flights on the airline’s website or mobile app. This offer applies to a selection of routes, offering customers the opportunity to travel to both well-known and hidden gems in various regions. The airline has ensured that the discount is flexible, offering reductions on a range of fare types, ensuring that passengers can find a deal that suits their preferences.

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Phuket Airport Sets Flight & Passenger Record

Phuket’s tourism has reached new heights, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, as the island recorded a staggering 393 flights and over 71,000 visitors in a single day. This remarkable achievement signals not only the recovery of the tourism sector in Phuket but also its growing appeal as a global destination. The surge in tourist numbers can be attributed to the island’s natural beauty, improved infrastructure, and warm hospitality, making it a top choice for travelers worldwide. As a result, Phuket is now solidifying its status as Thailand’s tourism powerhouse, setting the stage for continued growth and success in the coming years. Phuket’s tourism industry has shown a remarkable recovery, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and setting new records for air travel. On February 14, 2026, Phuket International Airport achieved a milestone by handling 393 flights and 71,613 passengers in a single day, marking the highest traffic ever recorded at the airport. This figure not only exceeded previous records set in 2019 but also highlighted the continued resilience of the island’s tourism sector, which is now aiming to maintain a consistent influx of 14 million visitors annually. The tourism sector in Phuket has experienced a strong comeback since the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with daily air traffic now regularly surpassing pre-pandemic figures. On February 14, 2026, domestic flights accounted for 146 of the 393 total flights, transporting 23,031 passengers. The international sector was even more prominent, with 247 international flights bringing in 48,582 passengers. These numbers reflect the growing demand for Phuket as a global tourism hub and a prime destination for both local and international travelers.

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Sharjah’s Ultimate Travel Guide: Top Things to Do

If you’re looking for a real gem in the UAE, Sharjah is the place to be! This city offers a perfect blend of rich history, stunning art, and modern experiences, all while maintaining its authenticity and charm. The best part? Sharjah is incredibly accessible. It has its own international airport. This makes it easy to fly directly in. If you’re landing in Dubai, it’s only a short 30 -minute drive away. I recently had a chance to visit Sharjah and it completely blew me away! Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Sharjah offers a wide range of activities. There are dining spots and places to stay that will make your visit unforgettable. In this guide, I’ll share my top recommendations for things to do. I will also include where to eat and the best places to stay. This way, you can make the most of your time in this cultural gem. One of the first things I recommend doing when you arrive in Sharjah is to explore its cultural and historical heart. The area is rich with heritage sites, museums, and stunning traditional architecture. As you wander through the streets, you can almost feel the city’s history come alive. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in Sharjah’s past while enjoying the vibrant local atmosphere.

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11 Must-Try Experiences in the Philippines

Welcome to the Philippines, a surprising country of South East Asia made of three main island groups: Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. Once you land in Manilla or Cebu, it’s impossible not to find fun things to do in the Philippines during your holidays. From the stunning Chocolate Hills of Bohol to pristine beaches to relax on in Malapascua, the hardest is to choose what to do! Considered one of the cheapest diving destinations in the world, the pearl of the Orient seas is one of the favourite places to go for ocean lovers who are into scuba diving. At world-class dives sites such as Tubbataha Reefs, Monad Shoal, or Coron, you will be able to see whale sharks, thresher sharks, turtles or experience wreck diving. There are so many other things to do besides diving in the Philippines. What about travelling in the backcountry aboard the colourful jeepney buses or even attend a karaoke party? Here are 11 of my favourites activities to do in the Philippines as a scuba diver for you to find some inspiration. Note all these activities include places below 600 m of altitude so you can mix scuba diving and sightseeing during your stay in the Philippines in total safety. The Philippines must be one of the best places in the world to swim with turtles. There are so many of them all around the country! But of all the places I visited in the Visayas Islands, the community-based marine protected area of Balicasag must be number 1. I first went diving in Panglao on the south shore of the island of Bohol attracted by all the macro critters I would see underwater: porcelain crabs and ornate ghost pipefish, or pygmy seahorses. Although Alona Reef is a beautiful dive site, the dive centres of Panglao go every day to the nearby islet of Balicasag.

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How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Hong Kong

1. Best for local culture: Cha chaan teng To find the real Hong Kong, Angelababy recommends looking no further than a cha chaan teng (tea restaurant). "Tea houses are deeply rooted in Hong Kong's culinary culture. Traditional Hongkongers enjoy going to tea houses for lunch with family or friends." Locals and expats alike sit huddled around tables in these old-school cafes, which are decorated with whirling fans and patterned floor tiles. These iconic Hong Kong spots are known for serving European treats with an Asian twist, so expect cups of strong Hong Kong milk tea made with condensed or evaporated milk, flaky egg tarts and pineapple buns with a cracked surface resembling its spiky namesake fruit: "If you're working on movies in Hong Kong, everybody stops at 15:15 for afternoon tea [and] we'll all enjoy an egg tart or a pineapple bun". 2. Best culinary experience: Dim sum Another culinary custom synonymous with Hong Kong culture is dim sum; a traditional Chinese brunch where a dazzling variety of small, savoury bites in bamboo baskets are wheeled through the restaurant on carts, to be shared with the whole table. "[It's] quality time with family," says Angelababy. "It's not just about filling the stomach; it's an experience." Hongkongers tuck into baskets of stewed, roasted or steamed dumplings such as char siu bao (doughy balls of sweet roast pork); siu mai (open-topped steamed dumplings); or soup dumplings filled with richly flavourful broth, which they wash down with tea.

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