The authorities worked out a new tariff policy that can reduce airport taxes by down to 70% for airlines, depending on the number of transported passengers and the number of new routes, said PAS MP Radu Marian, who noted that the gradual removal of the modernization tax was announced. This way, as from July 1, the total taxes will decrease from €21 to €16, while from January 1 next year to €12 plus different reductions, IPN reports.
“I know that a lot of people are dissatisfied with the fact that there are few flying options at the Chisinau Airport and that the available flights are expensive. I realize why some of you are angry, including with the authorities,” stated the MP of the ruling party. According to him, the disastrous way in which the Shor grouping managed the Chisinau Airport is one of the causes for such a situation. They introduced large taxes for airlines, including an exaggerated modernization tax, in order to discourage competition and to advantage the airline affiliated to the Shor grouping. The cumulative airport taxes for a passenger at the Chisinau Airport until recently were €21, as opposed to €12.5 in Iasi,” stated Radu Marian.
He noted that the local airlines were managed badly. “Air Moldova, which is no longer a state-run company, is the most pertinent example. The company was privatized under Plahotniuc and Dodon. The beneficiary of privatization is the billion thief who continues extracting money from people and leads Air Moldova to bankruptcy,” said Radu Marian.
He also said that after taking back the Chisinau International Airport under their management in April 2023, the authorities designed real instruments for changing the tariff policy. “Over the past few weeks, discussions were initiated with more than 20 airlines, many of which are low-cost ones, and these were familiarized with the new tariff policy. All the state institutions are involved in these discussions and in the attraction of new companies – the Government, the airport’s administration, the responsible ministries, the Civil Aviation Authority, and the MPs. A new meeting with Ryanair is to be held the next few days and we will present all the new airport charges to this company,” stated the MP.
