Thursday 25 July 2024
The Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation, Walter Schnaubelt has assured the public, the National Airports Corporation has not imposed any increase in airport levies and charges, since 2013.
“For the past 11 years, despite the high costs of operations due to inflation and other economic factors, National Airports Corporation (NAC) has not increased airport levies and charges as it should”.
Mr Schnaubelt was responding to calls to review and reduce unnecessary airport levies and charges.
“Whilst we understand current plight of our people in relation to the rising cost of living, it is also important to understand that airports are complex business with massive infrastructure – runways, terminals and security systems, that require constant upkeep and upgrades.”
He explained, the collection of airport charges helps with funding essential services such as baggage handling, airport terminal facilities and services, and passengers screening and security, which are important factors in ensuring safety and security for airport users.
“We have no jurisdiction over airline companies’ operations and fee structures they impose on passengers.
“The Civil Aviation Authority of Papua New Guinea (CASA PNG), the regulator monitors all compliance issues, focusing on safety and security of their operations.
“Under licenses, NAC is also monitored by CASA PNG on safety and security matters and for the usage of airport facilities. Our levies as of the date of this article sit on at K68 er ticket per passenger,” Mr Schnaubelt further clarified.
Mr Schnaubelt also revealed that airline operators still owe K150 million to NAC for usage of airport facilities, adding, the debt recovery commenced when he became minister responsible.
Minister Schnaubelt thanked the Minister for State Enterprises, Hon. William Duma, and Air Niugini Limited management for their weekly debt reduction instalment, and at the same time, meeting current rental and aeronautical operations.
He admits, tt is still a long road ahead for NAC to financially sustainable, however, despite the challenges, NAC has remained committed to providing safe and secure operations, while maintaining the collection of existing charges for the past 11 years.