SXM Airport departure fees going up

Based on the fact that passenger and airline fees at the airport have not increased since 2005, the Princess Juliana International Airport operating company PJIAE will increase its airport departure fees (ADFs) as of November 1. PJIAE explained in a release that fees had not increased “despite the fact that cost of living in the period 2005-2011 went up considerably, by 18.2 per cent.” The proposed amendment to the passenger fees will see the ADF for international passengers move from its current NAf. 54 (US $30) to NAf. 59.40 ($33), effective November 1. From that date, domestic passengers will pay an ADF of NAf. 36 ($20) while transfer passengers will pay NAf. 9.90 ($5.50). The passenger screening fee will become NAf. 18 ($10). The new rates are on par with others in the region, according to a study conducted by InterVISTAS, the consultancy group retained by PJIAE. It was agreed that these fees would apply to all tickets sold on or after November 1. However, a “grace period” will be established for tickets that do not have the new rates incorporated, with the assistance of the International

Source: “The Daily Herald” 2012-09-27