Victoria, Seychelles – Seychelles International Airport will implement a new fee for passengers arriving with commercial cargo at the airport’s passenger arrivals area, effective from January 15 next year. A fee of SCR500 ($37.5) per piece of luggage will be charged, announced Francis Lebon, the principal secretary for Trade, during a press conference on Thursday.

According to Seychelles News Agency, the decision aims to address the increasing misuse of the airport’s passenger terminal for transporting commercial cargo. He noted a significant number of business individuals bypass the designated cargo terminal, choosing instead to carry large quantities of cargo through the passenger arrivals area. This practice, Lebon explained, has led to congestion and operational challenges at the airport.

Lebon revealed that in the previous year, approximately 5,248 pieces of commercial cargo were processed through the passenger terminal, a number he described as exceedingly high. He emphasized the importance of stringent border control for national security, stating that the current situation hampers the customs officers’ ability to conduct effective risk assessments and profile individuals carrying illegal or restricted items.

The new fee, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on November 16, is targeted specifically at commercial cargo passing through the passenger terminal. Lebon clarified that regular passengers, including those visiting Seychelles for holidays or business trips, will not be affected, as the fee does not apply to luggage handled through the cargo terminal.

Gary Albert, the chief executive of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), also addressed the media, highlighting the operational difficulties caused by the influx of commercial baggage. He pointed out that this congestion leads to significant delays for other travelers, with some experiencing over an hour’s wait for their luggage due to the time taken to inspect the numerous bags of those ahead of them. Albert mentioned that compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, which recommend passengers exit the airport within 45 minutes of landing, has been challenging, with some delays extending up to two hours.

Albert further stated that the record number of luggage pieces brought in by a single individual was 75, a situation he deemed unsustainable, necessitating the implementation of the new measure.

Paul Barrack, the commissioner of customs at the Seychelles Revenue Commission, also expressed concerns over the impact of this trend on their operations. He explained that handling commercial cargo at the passenger terminal diverts their focus from their primary role of protecting the country’s borders and verifying passenger luggage. Barrack pointed out the logistical issues faced due to the lack of space for storing and verifying the large volumes of bags.