Philippines hikes airport user fees

The Philippines has struggled to match the success of regional rivals Thailand and Vietnam when it comes to incoming tourism numbers and now the country's main airport has kicked a massive own goal.

The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the private operator of Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), has decided to raise the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) to ₱950 ($US16.60), news hub Travel Mole reports.

This represents a 72% increase from the current ₱550 ($US9.60) and the new rate will be implemented next month.

NNIC said the hike is necessary to fund ongoing airport improvements and ensure better passenger services. And the company insisted that the new rate aligns with international standards.

The move has sparked criticism from travellers and consumer groups, who argue that such a steep increase could disproportionately impact local and regional passengers.

In a press release, NNIC highlighted that the adjustment in passenger service charges (PSC) is government-mandated. And it is the first increase in over 20 years.

On privatisation, NNIC said it was done in a bid to ensure the needed funds, expertise, and technology are brought in to modernize the country’s primary airport without burdening taxpayers.

Since its transfer to NNIC in September 2024, NAIA has handled more than 50 million passengers.

The PSC applies only to departing passengers and only once per journey.

New Zealand slugs cruise ships with increased costs

The New Zealand Government has dealt a financial blow to cruise ship operators - and they are not happy about it.

New Zealand has revealed a hike in border processing fees for cruise ship guests of 88% - scheduled to take effect from December 1.

The Cruise Lines International Association Australasia and the New Zealand Cruise Association both hit out at both the cruise fee hike and the lack of notice, news portal Travel Mole reported.

The say cruise lines won’t be able to pass on the increase to passengers, who have already booked and paid for their cruises.

The trade groups warn it could severely impact cruise traffic to New Zealand with with forecast that passenger numbers are down around 22% this year.

They say New Zealand is one of the most expensive markets for cruise operation costs.

NZ Cruise Association CEO Jacqui Lloyd said: “Cruise lines carefully plan and budget their operations two to three seasons ahead, leaving no room to pass unexpected cost increases to passengers.

“These financial burdens fall squarely on the cruise lines.”

It is not clear why cruise lines would not build such contingencies into their forward planning.

The processing cost for travellers arriving by cruise ship will increase from $11.48 to $21.54, an increase of $10.06 per passenger. This represents an extra $30,000 in costs for a ship carrying 3000 passengers.

 

The CLIA and the NZCA are pushing for urgent meetings with the New Zealand Customs Service and government officials.