Air N.Z. stands firm on VIP terminal use

By Sulamanaia Manaui Faulalo • 15 December 2024, 12:27PM

Air New Zealand has reaffirmed its policy requiring prior approval for passengers to use Samoa’s new $11 million tala VIP terminal, insisting all passengers must undergo security screening at the main terminal.

The airline’s stance remains unchanged despite a demand for an apology from the Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Vaai.

The minister criticised Air New Zealand’s handling of VIP passengers, including Speaker of the House Papalii Lio Masipau and Minister of Justice Matamua Vasati Pulufana, amid allegations they bypassed standard security procedures.

Brent Roxburgh, Air New Zealand’s Head of Pacific Islands, told the Samoa Observer that Air New Zealand will only use the VIP terminal for preapproved passengers.

“Air New Zealand continues to use the VIP terminal for people who have been approved in advance, on the condition they have been screened in the main terminal before departure,” Roxburgh said.

Tensions between Air New Zealand and Samoa Airport Authority (SAA) General Manager Tumanuvao Evile Falefatu escalated after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) followed the airline’s departure policy.

The Japanese Ambassador to Samoa, Senta Keisuke, was escorted to the main terminal for security screening prior to departure on December 10.

In an email obtained by the Samoa Observer, Tumanuvao expressed frustration with Air New Zealand’s country manager, Samantha Imo-Munif, over the arrangement.

“Sam, you make things complicated,” Tumanuvao wrote, asserting that “MFAT does not dictate us; screening will still be there at SAA VIP.”

He also requested staff observe screening procedures and warned Imo-Munif to “tread carefully” before signing off with, “Watch out before someone gets burned.”

Efforts to contact Tumanuvao for comment have been unsuccessful. When reached last week, he initially responded but abruptly ended the call, repeating, “Hello, hello, hello.”

Follow-up emails have also gone unanswered.

The controversy highlights ongoing friction over the use of Sa moa’s VIP terminal, with Air New Zealand maintaining its emphasis on security and compliance protocols.