In a statement dated February 22, 2023, and released this week, the CAA indicates that security fee for incoming and outgoing passengers will jump from $25 to $60, effective from April 1st.
The hike which was also communicated to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) by the CAA marks a significant departure from previous charges.
CAA claims the new fee – which has resulted in expensive airfare for travellers – has been implemented to improve airport security and infrastructure throughout the country.
The announcement follows a meeting held on February 22nd between international airlines and the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority, during which the issue of security fee was discussed in detail.
The change will affect all airlines operating in and out of South Sudan.
“The South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority would like to inform you that the security fee code (N3) will increase from $25 incoming/outgoing to $60 incoming/outgoing,” the CAA statement signed by the CEO of CAA Subek John David Dada reads in part.
Kenya Airways has been specifically instructed to make the change through IATA’s Ticket Tax Box Service (TTBS).
The airline will be required to embed or levy an additional USD 60 onto each arriving and departing passenger’s airfare.
“Therefore, the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority has ordered Kenya Airways to fill and request through IATA’s Ticket Tax Box Service (TTBS) to increase the tax code N3 to embed/levy of USD 60 to be applied to each arriving and USD 60 to each departing passenger’s air ticket,” said the CAA.
“This fee is being charged from April 1st, 2023,” it further indicates.
The move has been met with criticisms from some industry insiders citing that the significant hike could discourage air travel to and from South Sudan.
Others have expressed concern that the announcement did not come with much warning and will be a financial burden on airlines in the near term who have already sold tickets covering flights post the effective date.
Meanwhile, the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority has assured travellers that the increased fee is necessary to improve security for all air passengers and that the fee was brought about with extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders.
