It is noted that the initiative to raise the additional fees from $10 to $15 came from the OJSC "Manas International Airport" (MIA), whose employees developed the draft resolution and then presented it for public discussion. According to the airport management, the increase in fees is necessary to repay large loans for the re-equipment of the airport in Osh.
According to MIA's calculations, the increase in the tariff will allow them to raise additional income by 300-350 million soms compared to previous years. Additionally, tax revenues will increase by 30-35 million soms, sales tax by 6-7 million, and dividends on the state share will increase by 35-40 million soms.
It should be noted that the practice of charging international air passengers $10 was introduced by MIA in 2007. This amount was included in the ticket price for international flights. The airport's press service states that the increase in additional fees by $5 will not be a problem for air passengers.
– Only $5 has been added to the existing amount. And this is the most optimal airport fee compared to other airports in Central Asia, – explained the MIA press service.
In turn, the Chairman of the Board of OJSC "Manas International Airport," Emir Chukuev, noted that the National Strategy for Sustainable Development of the Kyrgyz Republic for the period 2013-2017 highlighted the need for reconstruction and modernization of the airports "Manas," "Osh," "Issyk-Kul," "Batken," "Isfana," as well as the implementation of a project to create a hub for cargo and passenger air transportation based on MIA.
– In order to implement these projects, a number of transformations are necessary to create conditions for full and quality service and acceptance of aircraft around the clock, ensuring aviation safety at airports, – noted Chukuev.
He also added that the government of Kyrgyzstan set a task back in 2013 to improve the infrastructure of all airports in the republic, and the Board of Directors of MIA approved an Investment Plan for 2013-2018 amounting to 11.6 billion soms. According to Chukuev, investments in MIA were included for the period 2013-2015. These funds were intended to complete ongoing reconstruction work on buildings and extensions to the terminal, update equipment, and partially acquire special machinery.
– The development of new infrastructure projects and businesses on the territory of the "Manas" airport, as well as the construction of a runway, are not included in this program. This increase should be understood, as these funds will be directed towards modernizing the airport infrastructure, – concluded Emir Chukuev.