Taipei: The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has announced plans to increase the airport service fee in Taiwan, starting in September. The fee, currently set at NT$500 (US$15.92), will be raised to NT$750 in the first phase, effective September 1, 2023.
According to Focus Taiwan, the MOTC stated that the second phase of the fee increase will take place on September 1, 2028, when the fee will be further raised to NT$1,000. This change follows a draft amendment to the Regulations of Airport Service Fee for International Flights Passengers. The fee, which has remained unchanged for a decade, is currently lower than similar charges in neighboring countries.
The revenue from the increased fee will be directed towards infrastructure projects at Taiwanese airports, including the construction of a third terminal and runway at Taoyuan International Airport, the primary international gateway in Taiwan. Presently, the NT$500 fee is split equally between the Tourism Development Fund and Taoyuan International Airport Corp. However, with the implementation of the NT$750 fee, the distribution will shift to 40 percent for the Tourism Development Fund and 60 percent for the airport company.
In 2028, when the fee reaches NT$1,000, the allocation for the Tourism Development Fund will decrease to 35 percent, while Taoyuan International Airport Corp. will receive 65 percent. The MOTC has also publicly released the draft amendment proposals to allow for a period of public comment.
The final approval of the changes rests with the ministry and does not require legislative approval to be enacted.