HONG Kong International Airport will implement the controversial airport construction fee from August 1 despite earlier objection from the trade. Airlines will tax departing passengers, including origin-destination and transit passengers, when air tickets are issued. The fee is being collected to fund the expansion of the airport, which includes a third runway.

Agents interviewed do not welcome the decision, although they predict the fee is unlikely to deter travel to and from Hong Kong.

Eastrip Travel general manager Jacky Chan said: “It’s not a good move but I think Hongkongers will get used to it eventually. We have no say anyway as it’s government policy. I also have reservations on whether we really need a third runway.”

Wing Wong, managing director of W Travel thinks it’s unfair for departing passengers to be taxed. “I think our government should bear part of the construction cost. It’s not fair for end-users to foot the bill,” he said.

Paul Leung, managing director of Holiday World Tours, is worried the fee will dent the city’s reputation as a destination. He said: “The airport is perceived as an infrastructure funded and built by the government. Visitors may psychologically not feel good for paying for airport upgrades they can’t use now.“Still, I personally support the idea of a third runway because of passenger saturation. Planes also have to queue longer before taking off and we need the infrastructure to fuel future growth.”

SOURCE from  : Prudence Lui, Hong Kong @ TTG Asia