PATTAYA, Thailand – Bangkok Airways is set to increase domestic airfares by 15–20% starting April 1, as soaring global oil prices continue to drive up operating costs.
The airline’s CEO, Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, said the sharp rise in jet fuel prices—linked to ongoing instability in the Middle East—has significantly impacted the company’s cost structure, with fuel expenses increasing by around 20%.
While the airline had previously hedged about 30% of its fuel needs at an average of $80–90 per barrel, current prices have surged to $170–180 per barrel, forcing the company to adjust fares and introduce higher fuel surcharges.
The fare increases will apply to selected domestic routes, including popular destinations such as Bangkok–Samui, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Despite the hike, prices will remain within the ceiling set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.
For international routes, fuel surcharges are also expected to rise by $40–50 on destinations such as the Maldives and Cambodia.
The airline warned that prolonged instability in the Middle East could force further adjustments to its 2026 business strategy, with ongoing evaluations every one to two weeks.
Meanwhile, the Airlines Association of Thailand has called on the government to reduce or temporarily waive excise taxes on jet fuel—currently set at 5 baht per liter—to help ease the burden on airlines and passengers.
Despite the looming price increases, bookings for April remain strong, though many were made before the latest surge in fuel costs.
