Airport charges going up

By Sulamanaia Manaui Faulalo 22 February 2025, 2:00PM

People will pay $130 more for air travel once the proposed departure tax and aviation security fee increases by the Samoa Airport Authority are confirmed.

Last week, SAA held public consultations for the proposed increases in departure tax from $65 to $100, aviation security fee from $5 to $100, parking fee from $5 to $10 and new VIP Terminal charges.

The parking fee has already been increased to the new charge of $10 while other increments are soon to take place.

The departure tax and aviation security fee are added to the airline fares which means that once confirmed an extra $130 will be added to airfare. Currently, $65 as departure tax and $5 as aviation security fees are added to the airfare

Fee Type

Old Fee (WST)

New Fee (WST)

Increase

Departure Tax

$65

$100

+53.85%

Aviation Security Fee

$5

$100

+1900%

Parking Fee

$5

$10

+100%

Overnight Parking

$10

$20

+100%

VIP Terminal Entry

$100

$115 (incl. 15% VAGST)

+15%

VIP Terminal Fee (Children <12)

$25

$28.75 (incl. 15% VAGST)

+15%


SAA Chief Executive Officer Tumanuvao Evile Falefatu justified the increases by citing the 2012 SAA Act and saying that it was time for a change and to develop in countries like New Zealand; these increases are mandatory. 

When asked why the announcement on the car park fees preceded any public consultation, Tumanuvao stated that consultation before the official consultation was not legally required.

“We can waive fees at any time without public consultation, according to the law,” Tumanuvao said. “If you comply with the law, there is no need for us to go through consultation with the public,” he added. 

Despite the SAA CEO's justification, the announcement has generated significant conversation among the public. Many of those who attended the meeting expressed frustration over the rising costs, particularly the steep hike in the departure tax, which will affect the affordability of air travel for many Samoans. 

The dramatic increases in parking and security fees also raised concerns among frequent flyers and airport businesses.

One of the most notable reactions was the suggestion that travellers might soon be forced to say goodbye to their loved ones outside the airport terminal to avoid the rising fees. With parking fees and VIP access at an all-time high, many fear that the cost of simply entering the airport will become a burden.

No date has been given as to when the new charges would become effective.



By Sulamanaia Manaui Faulalo 22 February 2025, 2:00PM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>