Airport tax quietly rockets from $180 to $280

Travellers to and from Samoa were being hit with charges of more than $280 on return tickets after the government’s new airport levy was applied beyond its stated scope.

By Jarrett Malifa • 24 March 2026, 1:00PM

Opetaia becomes inaugural Zuffa cruiserweight champion

Although Jai Opetaia may not be the IBF cruiserweight champion come Monday morning, he is still the Ring Magazine champion and now the new Zuffa Boxing world champion.

By Shalveen Chand • 09 March 2026, 5:40PM

Numbers don't lie; extra charges are shown on ticket data

Why are people paying $280 on return tickets when the Samoa Airport Authority (SAA) itself had stated that only $180 would be added on airfares as airport departure taxes and levies? Ticket data shows that $280 is being charged despite the latest claims by SAA.

By The Editorial Board • 24 March 2026, 9:00PM

Street Talk: What are your plans for Christmas?

Christmas is just around the corner. Samoa Observer journalist Tautua Vaa and photojournalist Junior S Ami spoke to people about how they planned to spend their Christmas.

By Tautua Vaa • 15 December 2025, 4:00PM

Europe and the Indo-Pacific: Partners for a resilient future

Europe and the Indo-Pacific find their futures increasingly interlinked in a world marked by geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainty, and intensifying strategic competition.

By Barbara Plinkert • 14 November 2025, 1:50PM

Ta'i's Take. The Jerusalem embassy, a move difficult to understand

The announced plan to set up a Samoan embassy in Israel this year is difficult to understand in light of what is going on between that country and the Palestinian people

By Seuseu Faalogo • 10 January 2026, 10:00PM

Make medicines a priority

We were promised, loudly and publicly, that health would be a priority under the current administration. That essential stocks would be ordered in advance.

28 January 2026, 3:00PM

Between the Lines

Overseas and not-elected anymore, law is not equal for everyone, changes in electoral requirements, parking cameras, working all day and don't be fooled.

24 March 2026, 10:00PM