Passengers to Pay $100 for use of Aerodrome Facility at Faleolo International Airport
2026-02-27 - 20:38
PRESS RELEASE. Clarification of Airport Charges Effective 1 March 2026. The Samoa Airport Authority have issued a press statement to clarify and explain the additional costs which will be added to passenger airfares from the 1st of March 2026. Their statement is published in verbatim below. It explains that it is a levy or a fee for the Aerodrome Facility at Faleolo International Airport that makes up the $100 tala additional cost. It is unclear if the charge continues or whether it stops once the cost of the aerodrome facilities have been subsidised after a period of time. SAA Statement Samoa Airport Authority (SAA) wishes to clarify incorrect information published on the 23 February 2026 regarding the adjustment of airport fees. Reports stating that passengers will pay an additional WST$180.00 are incorrect. From 1 March 2026: • The Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) will increase from WSTS65.00 to WST$80.00 (an increase of WST$15.00). • A new Aerodrome Facility Charge (AFC) of WST$100.00 will apply. This means the total additional cost compared to the previous structure is WST$115.00 – not WST$180.00. The total combined airport charges per passenger from 01 March 2026 will be WST$180.00. All tickets purchased before the 01 March 2026 will not be affected. Why These Adjustments Are Necessary The Airport Authority (Fees, Charges and Levies) Regulations 2013 remained unchanged for over eleven years. A comprehensive review began in March 2024 to address funding gaps affecting: • 24-hour safety and security operations • Maintenance and replacement of critical airport equipment • Increased passenger and aircraft movements post-COVID • Compliance with international aviation standards under ICAO SAA is also undertaking essential airport infrastructure upgrades to ensure Samoa’s airports remain safe, secure and internationally compliant. Consultation and Approval Between March 2024 and June 2025, SAA conducted extensive consultations with: • Airtine operators • Private sector stakeholders • The general public • International aviation partners • Government agencies Following technical and financial review, the revised charges were approved by Cabinet and enacted through the Airport Authority (Fees, Charges and Levies) Amendment Regulations 2026. SAA remains committed to transparency and to maintaining safe, secure and efficient airport services for Samoa. For further information, please contact the Samoa Airport Authority. Ma le ava tele, Samoa Airport Authority