Samoa Airport Authority staff stationed at the regional airport told the Samoa Observer photographer the newspaper was prohibited from the $25 million publicly funded facility.

Samoa Observer photographer Junior Ami made the trip to the airport on Thursday afternoon to take photos of the facility that began operations in December. 

Mr Ami was at the regional airport to take photos for a news story when Samoa Airport Authority (S.A.A.) staff approached him and demanded he leave immediately. 

He said when he started taking photos, three S.A.A. staff, two men and one woman asked if he was from the Samoa Observer. 

When he replied yes, the staff told him he was not allowed to take photos claiming these were instructions from their boss. 

Mr Ami stood his ground and told the officials that he was doing his job and could take photos from the carpark. 

The officials alleged their boss had called and instructed that “the Samoa Observer is prohibited” from the airport and to have him removed immediately. 

At this point, another vehicle arrived at the regional airport with three other security staff to assist in removing the photographer. 

When Mr Ami was inside the Samoa Observer car and tried to take photos using his cell phone, an airport staff opened the door and told him “We don’t accept that” before signalling him out. 

The Chief Executive Officer for S.A.A. Tumanuvao Evile Falefatu was asked if he gave instructions to his staff banning the newspaper from the airport.

In response, Tumanuvao said he would like to “clarify there is no outright ban on photography at this public facility”.

“However, due to the nature of airport operations and the associated security protocols, we require that an official request be submitted to the management for permission to take photographs,” he said.

“Airports are critical infrastructure and often busy locations where the safety and security of patrons are of utmost importance.

“The procedures in place aim to balance the public's right to capture images with the need to maintain security. Unauthorised photography can potentially lead to the misuse of images, which may inadvertently contribute to acts of unlawful interference, posing a risk to public safety.” 

In defence of his staff treatment, the C.E.O. said, "They are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of the terminal and users, and they are tasked with enforcing these procedures to protect everyone”.

Tumanuvao insisted a formal request would allow them to provide support while ensuring compliance with security measures.

”We value the role of the media in disseminating information and appreciate your understanding of the importance of maintaining safety and security in all airport operations.”

For many years the Samoa Observer including other media outlets were free and open to take photos at the Faleolo International Airport and Fagalii Airport without permission or being told to leave. 

The only time the press is required to request to take photos at the airports is when they go beyond the screening points or the tarmac to take photos of foreign delegates arriving in Samoa.