The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged the Samoa Government to reconsider new airport fees, saying the increase in travel costs will burden Samoan nationals and the diaspora.
IATA is the global trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 360 airlines, or over 80 per cent of total air traffic.
IATA’s members include Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways, Qantas and Virgin Australia that operate services to and from Faleolo International Airport.
In a direct email to the Samoa Observer on Monday night, IATA Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific Sheldon Hee said the new charges are making travel to Samoa more expensive.
“The fee increases not only make it more expensive for tourists visiting Samoa, but also add to the travel cost burden of Samoan nationals, and the Samoan diaspora,” Hee said.
He added that the government should be looking to aviation and the connectivity it provides as a strategic asset that supports tourism, trade and community ties.
Hee described air travel as a social and economic catalyst, particularly for island states such as Samoa.
According to the IATA official airlines operating to Samoa recently received notice of “substantial increases in airport fees, scheduled to take effect on 16 February 2026. “Following our government engagement and the request for a pause of the increase is charges, an extension was granted to 1 March 2026.”
Hee said, “While we acknowledge the delay, the announcement has raised significant concern across the industry, and we urge the government to reconsider the fee increases and engage the industry in effective dialogue.”
The Samoa Airport Authority announced over the weekend that effective March 1, the departure tax for passengers 12 years and older will increase from $65 to $80 tala and travelers will also pay a new aerodrome facility charge of $100 tala.
