While the higher departure and airline fees at Changi Airport will go towards funding the Changi East development which includes T5, not everyone is a fan of the move. Budget travellers, airlines and IATA yesterday expressed their misgivings about the plan to raise fees from July 1. Business and luxury travellers seemed less bothered, if a quick check with those passing through Changi Airport yesterday was any indication. Indonesian entrepreneur Edward Sojono, 35, who visits Singapore four times a year, mainly to shop, noted that the increase in departure fees by $13.30 could translate into a 10 per cent jump in his airfare. Some airlines are also concerned about the higher charges that will apply to aircraft landing and parking fees that they pay. A spokesman for Qantas said that while it supports Changi’s expansion plans, “we are disappointed with the introduction of the Airport Development Levy to fund Changi Airport’s development of T5, as this will put pressure on costs and ultimately the fares that passengers pay”.... Continue Reading