Darwin hits back at Tiger claims
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Darwin International Airport (DIA) has responded to Tiger Airways’ claims that charges at the Northern Territory facility had risen so much that it forced the low-cost carrier out. In a statement, DIA said that landing and terminal costs had been fixed with an agreed annual increase of 3% a year, and that Tiger had been well aware of this. It refuted Tiger’s claims that suggest that it had substantially increased airport charges in recent years.
DIA conceded however that its security costs had increased in recent years, due to mandates from the Federal Government. Both Darwin and Alice Springs Airports, the statement said, have operated Checked Bag Screening and since April 2007, while Liquids, Aerosols and Gels screening (LAGs) has been also been required for all international departures from Darwin.
Northern Territory Airports CEO Ian Kew said; “Until such time that smaller regional gateways are assisted in the provision of the required security measures, I don’t see airport charges reducing.”
“Having said that, we wish to thank Tiger Airways for the support they have given to the people of Darwin over the past three years, and the services they continue to offer to the people of Alice Springs. We certainly look forward to welcoming them back to Darwin when they feel the time and market conditions are right for them to resume services”.
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