Narita International Airport, Japan's premiere international gateway, is introducing new airport levies on international travellers.
Effective November 16, passengers leaving on flights departing Narita will have to fork out JPY500 (US$5.61) for the new Passenger Security Service Charge (PSSC). The fee also applies to transit passengers on international flights using the airport to connect to another international destination. However, an exemption will be made for travellers transiting Narita to or from international flights on Japan's domestic sector.
"There has been a sharp rise in security expenses in recent years. In order to maintain security levels at the airport, passengers will be charged with a new fee," said the airport management in an advisory posted on its website.
The airport has used advanced security measures since 2001 after the terrorist attacks in the US. One was the installation of an in-line screening system that incorporates an explosives detection capability. The equipment is used to screen passengers' bags before they are brought to the check-in counters, helping to maintain stringent security while eliminating the need for pre-checked-in baggage inspection.
Travellers on international flights transiting at Narita will be the hardest hit as they will be required to pay the Passenger Service Facility Charge (PSFC), which at present is only being levied on passengers leaving the airport for overseas. The PSFC costs JPY1,020 (US$11.45) for adults and JPY510 (US$5.73) for children. PSFC fees for international transit passengers will be 50 percent lower than those charged passengers whose journeys originate from Narita.
Japanese carriers Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways are notifying customers about the new airport fees through their websites. The new charges will be included in all tickets sold for travel on or after November 16.
For the time being, the country's other international hubs such as Osaka and Nagoya have not announced any similar moves.
For more details on the new airport charges, visit www.narita-airport.jp/en
Gigi Onag
