AOT weighs arrival duty-free return after 14.8bn-baht profit
AOT is weighing a return of arrival duty-free shops as it expands premium services and commercial areas after nine-month profit rose 3.86%
- Airports of Thailand (AOT) is conducting a feasibility study to reintroduce duty-free shops for arriving passengers.
- This move is being considered after AOT recorded a net profit of 14.8 billion baht for the first nine months of its fiscal year.
- The profit was achieved despite a 1.39% decline in total revenue, which was offset by a 2.55% reduction in expenses.
- In addition to the duty-free plan, AOT is also looking to expand premium services like fast-track channels and pursue commercial development around its airports.
Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) is studying whether to bring back duty-free shops for arriving passengers while expanding premium services and commercial development across its airports after nine-month net profit rose 3.86%.
AOT recorded net profit of 14.812 billion baht for the first nine months of fiscal 2026, up 549.96 million baht from the same period a year earlier, despite a 1.39% decline in total revenue to 50.205 billion baht.
AOT President Paweena Jariyathitipong said the company was pursuing measures to improve passenger services while increasing revenue across the six airports under its management: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, Phuket and Hat Yai.
Passenger traffic rises as non-aeronautical revenue falls
During the first nine months of fiscal 2026, from October 2025 to June 2026, AOT’s six airports handled 605,838 flights, up 0.61% year on year.
The total comprised:
- 340,118 international flights
- 265,720 domestic flights
Passenger traffic reached 99.03 million, an increase of 1.84%, comprising:
- 60.24 million international passengers
- 38.79 million domestic passengers
Revenue from sales or services fell by 707.73 million baht, or 1.39%, as non-aeronautical revenue declined by 1.404 billion baht, or 5.56%.
Aeronautical revenue, by contrast, increased by 696.56 million baht, or 2.72%.
Total expenses fell by 815.44 million baht, or 2.55%, helping AOT record higher net profit despite the decline in revenue.
Arrival duty-free and premium services under study
Paweena said AOT was considering the introduction of premium services, including dedicated fast-track channels similar to those offered at major international airports.
The services would give passengers additional options, speed up their journeys through terminals and help manage congestion.
AOT is also conducting a feasibility study on restoring duty-free shops for arriving passengers, with the aim of offering travellers entering Thailand greater choice and convenience.
The company is also looking at ways to improve aircraft-stand management to accommodate additional flights.
Private investment sought around airports
AOT is continuing to develop commercial areas around its airports by inviting private companies with relevant expertise to invest in projects intended to generate longer-term income.
Existing revenue-generating developments include additional leases of land designated for the Suvarnabhumi Airport service and support centre and car-parking facilities at Chiang Mai Airport.
AOT is also seeking private investment for a 723-rai plot along Wat Si Wari Noi Road near Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Three to four potential investors have expressed interest, mainly from the logistics, freight transport and warehouse-management sectors.
The site has the potential to connect cargo movements by road, water and air.
AOT expects that, once operational, the development could reduce the processing time for air-freight exports and imports to about three hours.
AOT said it would continue improving services, safety and airport facilities while developing commercial opportunities as part of its longer-term objective of strengthening Thailand’s position as an international aviation hub.
