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More 'hidden' costs for travellers
By Roeland
Van den Bergh Auckland International Airport's decision to increase the departure fee for international passengers by nearly 14 per cent will add to the already substantial hidden costs paid by travellers, a travel agent said yesterday. The departure fee has been increased by $3 to $25, bringing it in line with other international airports, including Wellington and Christchurch. Atlantic Pacific Business Travel managing director Neil Tollich said fees and taxes often added 20 to 30 per cent to the ticket price. For a flight to Australia the fees could amount to $140. Customers tended to focus on the advertised price of a flight which could increase substantially when the hidden costs were added, he said. "All these incremental costs aren't significant, but when you add them all up they are substantial, and that is the concern we have." The increase would not have an impact on international tourists, Mr Tollich said. Auckland Airport said the increase would pay the cost of about $2.5 million a year for terminal services previously paid for by airlines. It would also improve the airport's "low returns" on terminal assets, including recent extensions to the international terminal building and the customs, immigration and biosecurity processing areas. Of the charge, $5 is paid to the Government for Civil Aviation and Aviation Security services. The increase would cover annual costs of
about $2.5 million for terminal services, previously met by airlines, and
recognised the low returns on terminal assets in recent extensions, the
company said. |
