Airport gate fee could double

By Sulamanaia Manaui Faulalo 29 January 2025, 2:00PM

Toll fees when exiting the Faleolo International are expected to double soon from $5 to $10. The new rate is already being charged when departing the gates at the Regional Terminal.

Concerns were raised regarding exit fees at Samoa's airports by travellers. Reports indicate a notable discrepancy between the charges at the regional and international terminals.

The exit fee at the Regional Airport is set at $10, while travellers at the international terminal are charged $5. The inconsistency has sparked confusion among passengers and raised questions about the efficiency of communication from airport authorities regarding fee structures.

According to an aviation security officer who spoke with the Samoa Observer, the international airport fee is indeed $10, contradicting claims made by an administrator at the international airport who stated that the current fee is $5. The conflicting information highlighted a lack of clarity between the two airports.

In a conversation with an administrative representative at the international airport, it was indicated that the fee structure is planned to change this year; however, many members of the public remain unaware of these updates. 

One traveller expressed her surprise at the differing exit fees given the proximity of the two airports. "Fagali'i was better," she stated, referencing the former airport which did not impose an exit fee. 

There has been no official notice from the Samoa Airports Authority on the increase in fees at the gate. Some have queried if this needs to be approved by the cabinet. 

By Sulamanaia Manaui Faulalo 29 January 2025, 2:00PM
Samoa Observer

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