Tourism at Risk? Airlines Warn Over Samoa’s $180 Departure Cost

Airlines are pushing back after the Samoa Airport Authority confirmed a sharp hike in departure costs at Faleolo International Airport, with carriers warning the move could price out local families and hurt tourism.

From 1 March 2026, passengers aged 12 and over departing Samoa will face a combined $180 in airport charges. The existing departure tax will rise from $65 to $80, while a new $100 Aerodrome Facility Charge will be introduced. The fees apply to all bookings made or modified after that date and will be automatically added to airfares.

The International Air Transport Association has raised concerns about the impact on connectivity, particularly for island nations. In a statement, IATA said the increases would add to the cost burden for Samoan nationals and the diaspora, as well as tourists, and urged the government to reconsider.

‘Talofa Airways’ director Jeffrey Hunter told RNZ Pacific the increase is significant, especially for smaller aircraft operators servicing regional routes. While acknowledging the airport authority’s need to recover infrastructure costs, he said higher fares could make travel unaffordable for some families.

Aviation analyst Andrew Curran from Aero South Pacific said the challenge lies in recouping major development spending at a small airport with limited passenger volumes. Unlike major hubs where costs are spread across millions of travellers, Apia’s smaller numbers mean higher per passenger charges. He suggested a model that targets international visitors rather than residents could soften the blow for local communities.

Now airlines are hitting back more directly. Industry representatives argue they were consulted but not meaningfully engaged, claiming the decision appeared predetermined. They say the sudden scale of the increase leaves carriers with little room to absorb costs, meaning passengers will ultimately bear the full impact.

Samoa Airways has referred questions about the fee structure back to the aviation authority, while Air New Zealand, which operates direct Auckland to Apia services, previously declined to comment.

The Samoa Airport Authority maintains the increases are necessary to support airport operations and infrastructure upgrades, but with fares set to rise by more than $100 per ticket, debate is intensifying over who should shoulder the cost of keeping Samoa connected to the world.