Finance and transport minister Josephine Teo told reporters in Singapore that the service fee for international passengers transiting at Changi will be cut by two-thirds from SGD9 to SGD3 with effect from 1 July 2015. On the same date, ground-handling franchise charges are set to be reduced by 20 per cent.
The minister stated that Changi had not reached forecast passenger movements during the first few months of this year. She continued with the statement that the fee cuts would be ongoing and would help both passengers and carriers to save SGD180 million over the two-year period from the implementation date.
Minister Teo noted that demand for global air travel had declined and the measures should give Changi a little boost. Last year the airport launched its Growth and Assistance Incentive package which gave airlines discounts on the likes of air-bridge and aeroplane parking charges. This progamme ends on the 30 June 2015.
Singapore Airport to reduce passenger transit tax
News in Asia
The Singaporean government has announced it is introducing two cost reduction measures for users at Changi Airport. The moves to entice passengers and airlines into using the airport will see the tax for transiting passengers slashed and a big discount on ground-handling fees for airlines.