Soana
Aholelei, RNZ Pacific journalist
The
Samoan government is facing a backlash from local travellers
due to a hike in airport departure taxes.
From Sunday,
travellers aged 12 years old and older will pay an extra
WST80 (approx. US$28) to depart the country. A new tax – the
aerodrome facility charge – of WST100 (approx. US$35) will
also apply to all departing passengers.
The increase
in airport fees comes following Samoa’s Head of State
signing off on a law concerning the Samoa Airport Authority
this month.
The International Air Transport
Association (IATA) has
already raised concerns about the impact this could have
on airlines.
It is understood the IATA has been
involved in lobbying Samoa’s government on behalf of the
airlines to reconsider the levies.
Talofa Airways
director Jeffrey Hunter told RNZ Pacific on Tuesday the fee
increase would make make it impossible for some Samoans to
travel altogether.
‘A lot of angry people’
RNZ
Pacific’s Samoa correspondent Galumalemana Tipi Autagavaia
said there is widespread public discontent from
Samoans.
He said there are calls for Prime Minister
La’aulialemalietoa (La’auli) Polataivao Leuatea Fosi Schmidt
to step in.
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“I’ve seen a lot of angry people on social
media complaining [and] criticising the new increase in
fees,” he said.
“Any increase in fares or government
services, [not everyone is] happy with it.”
He said
the aerodrome facility tax is something new.
“It’s the
first time we’ve heard [of] this tax. I’m hoping that the
Samoa Airport Authority will release more details of this
new fee. I can’t remember the last time there was an
increase,” he said.
He said no one saw it coming when
Samoa Airways put up a notice for the information of their
passengers and their travelling partners.
Galumalemana
is hoping the government will reconsider its
decision.
“Maybe put [the increase in taxes] on hold
until such time that everyone is ready and needs more time
to have consultation with members of the public.
“I
don’t want to travel anymore if this is going to be the new
fee.”
La’auli said the aerodrome tax was needed to
ensure funds were available for repairs to equipment, the
Samoa Observer reported on Friday.
According to the
newspaper, the prime minister said the Samoa Airports
Authority would be releasing a statement regarding the
increase.
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