The Samoa Airport Authority (SAA) said it is considering introducing a ticketing system at Faleolo International Airport that would allow travellers 15 minutes of free parking before a $10 fee applies.

Speaking at a government media press conference, SAA Chief Executive Officer Tumanuvao Evile Falefatu said plans are in place to install a car park ticketing system under which “the first 15 minutes are exempt from paying a parking fee; more than 15 minutes, then you’ll pay $10.”

Tumanuvao described the proposal as part of broader plans under the authority’s “master plan,” which includes infrastructure upgrades and service improvements at the airport.

“These are the standards that Nadi and New Zealand operate under. We cannot operate under low standards,” he said, adding that the briefing was an opportunity “to let the country know about the fees.”

Tumanuvao said the increase was “only $15,” and maintained that there are no additional separate charges passengers would have to pay beyond what is included in the ticket fee. “There is nothing else at the airport that you would have to pay separately,” he said. The departure tax fee, however, is increased from $65 to $80, and a new Aerodrome Facility Charge of $100 is added, for a total of $180.

SAA staff, including Vai Palepua Soloese and Fiu Manutoaiga Tausisi, also outlined several projects under consideration. These include installing CT scanners and body scanners to strengthen border security amid concerns about drugs entering Samoa.

Tumanuvao said that one CT scanner "is at least NZ$1 - NZ1.5 million."

Other proposed upgrades include adding a fourth aerobridge, renovating the runway, including the Fagali'i and Asau airports, improving escalators and elevators, and constructing a new aircraft hangar capable of accommodating larger aircraft, although Samoa already has a hangar for the only small planes belonging to Samoa Airways and Talofa Airways.

The proposed hangar would measure approximately 100 meters by 80 meters and is intended to better position Samoa to service incoming aircraft. He also proposed a route directly from American Samoa, Pago Pago, to Asau, Savai'i.

A recent Ministry of Finance tender notice showed that aviation infrastructure upgrades are also being pursued under external financing through the World Bank-funded Samoa Aviation and Roads Investment Project. The tender calls for the supply and installation of navigation aid equipment, including Instrument Landing Systems and Doppler Very High Frequency (VHF) Omnidirectional Range systems for Faleolo International Airport.

Tumanuvao said the upgrades are necessary to prepare the airport for increasing traffic and modern aviation demands, noting that such developments are “expensive and not cheap.” He said “to look at the positive side” of the changes, despite concerns raised by several airlines, some of which have aligned with IATA over the fee increases.