The importance and necessities of airport taxes

“More often than not we hear people say that flights are not that expensive but the airport taxes are. They also express the desire to know these taxes have to be paid and what they are used for,” said Mia Davids, Head: Corporate Communications at the Namibia Airports Company (NAC). Davids said that the NAC is responsible for providing airport infrastructure and amenities while facilitating airport services for domestic and international airlines and passengers. “In fulfilling our mandate, the NAC ensures that airport infrastructure and safety and security equipment is well maintained and meets world-class standards. This includes cost of ground handling facilities and services attributable to passenger arrivals and departures.

One of the ways in which we generate funds is through the airport tax payable by departing and arriving passengers who make use of our services,” she said. The charging of these fees is regulated in compliance with ICAO Doc 9562 and Section 5 (1) of the Airports Company Act 25 of 1998. Both these statutory documents regulate and control the continued implementation, review and collection of airport taxes. “To us it is vitally important that we are accountable at all times, both in terms of the fees charged and the service we deliver. You recall that there were some mishaps last year but since then we have made great strides in ensuring that all aspects at our controlled airports are beyond reproach,” Davids added. She said that the NAC would endeavor to educate Namibians about their role and responsibility as there seemed to be general confusion amongst Namibians as to what the NAC does and is responsible for. “We know that education is important and we wish to contribute towards informing our fellow Namibians about the NAC. As a State Owned Enterprise we deem it priority to ensure the public knows where we stand and what falls under our jurisdiction.”  Davids added that any queries, suggestions, complaints and compliments are welcomed by the NAC. “We request all our customers to get in touch with us. Only if we know what is bothering them or what is going well can we make sure that our airports are part of the greater positive experience of travelling.”  Airports under NAC management include Hosea Kutako Airport, Eros Airport, Walvis Bay Airport, Lüderitz Airport, Keetmanshoop Airport, Ondangwa Airport, Rundu Airport and Katima Mulilo Airport.