Samoa Airways has expressed concern over the increases to Samoa Airport Authority (SAA) fees with the national carrier saying they will “now have to face public dissatisfaction while the SAA enjoys the benefits of the cost increase.”
Samoa Airways Chief Executive Officer Fauo’o Fatu Tielu told the Samoa Observer airlines had attended a consultation meeting more than a year ago where they were informed of the upcoming changes.
“This was more than a year ago. I haven’t had time to check if the actual changes match what we were told, but it looks like they have been spread over three years,” Fauo’o said.
He added that airlines will now have to face public dissatisfaction.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has requested that the proposed increases be put on hold.
In a 17 February, 2026 letter addressed to the Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure and signed by IATA Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific Sheldon Hee, the association said it was “disappointed” not only by the amendment to the Airport Authority (Fees, Charges and Levies) Regulations 2026, but also by the notice period provided to airlines.
“IATA, on behalf of its members operating to Samoa, wishes to convey its disappointment at not only the amendment to the Airport Authority Fees, Charges and Levies, but the notice period provided to airlines to reflect these charges.”
Air New Zealand and Qantas said there were aligned with the IATA statement.
A Virgin Australia spokesperson said they are aware of changes to aeronautical charges at Faleolo International Airport, which have the potential to place upward pressure on airfares for Samoans and visitors travelling to and from Apia.
Virgin Australia’s concerns were the scale of the increase, which represents more than a 200 per cent rise in passenger airport charges.
The airline also raised issue with the implementation timeframe, given that airlines sell tickets up to 12 months in advance, and the increase is scheduled to take effect from March 2026, meaning many tickets have already been sold based on current charges.
According to IATA, airlines were given “less than 48 hours’ notice over a weekend,” adding that it is “not feasible, nor tenable, for such changes to be implemented within this timeframe.”
“Airlines must not be held accountable for collecting charges from passengers retroactively.”
IATA requested that implementation of the revised fees be paused and that sufficient advance notice be provided following “an effective consultation process” with the Samoa Airport Authority.
