NAIA set to collect $5 security fee

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said yesterday an additional $5 (P260) security charge will be collected from departing passengers on international flights by the second quarter of the year.

This developed after MIAA met the requirement for the imposition of new fees on public transportation passengers with the holding of a third public hearing last week.

MIAA expects to collect some P1.3 billion in five years from the fee.

MIAA General Manager Alfonso Cusi said 80 percent of collected fees would be allotted for the procurement of modern baggage X-ray machines while the 20 percent would go to other security enhancement-related activities.

"For the price of two movie tickets, each passenger will be contributing to keep the Ninoy Aquino International Airport safe and secure at a time when we cannot afford to allow the lack of security funds to compromise the well-being of the public using the airports," Cusi said.

Even as MIAA conducted public hearings, the plan to impose the additional security and development fee, met opposition from the International Air Transportation Association, the international governing body that creates regulation for international air transport, including regulations.

The group said MIAA erred when it claimed the imposition of the fee was allowed by a provision of the International Civil Aviation Organization Code.

However, despite the IATA’s opposition, MIAA was determined to impose the fee.

Cusi explained MIAA has long been carrying the burden of financing the security needs of the terminals, and the time has come for the users to share the load since it is also for their protection and benefit.