Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A Senate hearing regarding the community’s concerns about the recent hike in the cost of airfare between the two Samoas has brought to light a simple fact — only the Samoa government cabinet can make a decision about the fees that have caused the hike.

The hearing was held on March 10, 2026 with three witnesses called to testify: Ms. Faigofia Manase of Talofa Air, Mr. Tevana Stanley Hansen of Samoa Air, and Port Director Barney Sene.

Senator Togiola Tulafono led the hearing and opened it with a summary of what they were looking to discuss — airfares between the 2Samoas, the hike, possible influences, and what can be done.

Hansen of Samoa Airways pointed out that the hike in the cost of airfares between the two Samoas is primarily driven by the increase of the departure tax applied by the Samoa government.

Notably, it is applied only to airplane passengers, not those who use ocean transportation, and anyone who flies out of Samoa pays, regardless of nationality — this includes citizens of Samoa.

Two fees were identified as the culprits — the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) and the Aerodome Facility Charge (AFC).

The PFC comprises not only the US  passenger facility fee of $US 4.50, but in addition a Samoa passenger facility fee — it was WST$ 65, but is now WST$ 80. It applies to passengers 12 years and older. Airline officials say this fee is used mainly to maintain fire services at its airport terminals.

The AFC is a new fee and is WST$ 100. It applies to all passengers flying out of Samoa, using its airport facilities. According to the airline officials it is used for maintenance of its infrastructure — towers, lights, buildings, etc.

The total increase in fees is WST$ 115.00.

These fees apply to ALL departing travelers from Samoa and are included in air ticket prices.

The price of a round-trip ticket between the 2Samoas is now $US338.60: $296 airline ticket, PFC & AFC $US 42.60. Included in the PFC fee is the US PFC $4.50, which is charged by the US to all passengers at all its airports, while the balance is kept by Samoa to use.

The fee hikes began to be applied on March 1, 2026.

Senate President Tuaolo M. Fruean asked who had the power to waive the fees, and was told by the airline officials “only the Samoa cabinet”. Tuaolo then pointed out that it was Samoa’s people who were suffering, not American Samoans, and noted that a discussion with Samoa’s Cabinet about the hikes would be forthcoming in the future 2Samoas talks.

Possible additional charges to travel between the 2Samoas were also brought to light during the Senate hearing (Not included in the ticket).

Ms. Manase of Talofa Air said there is the American Samoa OK Board $US 40 - 30-day permit to enter American Samoa/ apply online to AS for all non-residents & foreigners; and the Samoa visas — US nationals or CI only: 10-days $US 20/ 15-day $US 30/ 30-day $US 50/ $US 60 return-transit — all paid to Samoa consulate (US citizens are exempt).

Also discussed was the possibility of increasing the PFC at Pago Pago International Airport. However, Port Director Sene noted such an increase would have to go through federal channels, and it would not be easy. Sene mentioned earlier in the hearing that the PFC collected by American Samoa totals about $US 200,000 per year. He did not mention if this included Hawaiian/ Alaska Air passengers.

In general, senators all agreed that nothing can be done, as one senator said, “What can we do, as you own the airplanes, we’re just the passengers…” He also said that ultimately it is the Samoa nationals who suffer, not American Samoans, echoing the Senate president’s remark.

Of interest, the airline officials said that passenger loads seem to have remained the same, despite the hike; and, alluded to travel between the 2Samoas not being unduly affected due to faalavelaves — where needs are paramount, and hikes become part of the cost of the faaSamoa.

OTHER ISSUES

It was asked why Talofa Air did not fly to Fagali’i, to which the official noted that the airstrip was too short, and engine damage was highly possible.

The parking lot at the Tafuna International Airport, according to Port Director Sene is slated to be finished in June 2027. He was also asked why Wings/ Pago Airways had a separate area for check-in, and was not using the counter area like the other airlines. Sene replied that they were separate as a charter airline, but having recently received FAA approval for regular flights, a regular check-in counter would be in discussion.

The Samoa Airways official was asked why Ofu flights cost more than flights to Fitiuta. Hansen replied that this was due to the much shorter runway on Ofu, allowing for only a 9-passenger load, despite using a 15-seater twin otter, which often is reduced to 8 passengers — due to the weight of passengers, or else no baggage or cargo can go on the flight. Jokingly, a senator remarked that it is due then to ‘le mamafa o pasese o Ofu’ that it costs more to fly there.