By Adama Makasuba
The Gambia government comes under backlash over the introduction of new travel law which imposes charges of $20 on air travellers.
A written letter by Gambia Civil Aviation Authority dispatched to airlines companies and relevant stakeholders in the country emerged online stated: “I am directed to inform you that The Gambia Government is implementing the collection of the Immigration Security System Levy at Banjul International Airport with immediate effect. Consequently, collection booths have been erected at the airport to manually collect the levy from passengers. Each departing passenger will pay US$20 whilst arriving passenger will pay US$20.
“In this airlines/operation are advised to bring this development to the attention of their passengers. Government solicits the cooperation of all stakeholders.”
Scores of Gambians taken to social media to mount criticism on the government over the alleged new law, and among them included Nyang Njie who said: “The Government of the Gambia has in effect made Leopold Sedar Senghor our main Airport. There are many Gambians flying in and out of this airport due to the frequency of flights and ticket pricing.
“The recent tax levied on passengers at Banjul International Airport will be the beginning of the end for an airport that is neither competitive nor sustainable. Sad days are ahead in Gambia aviation.”
Another Gambian Raffie Diab said on his Facebook post: “This is so outrageous to see. I really don’t see the rationale behind this daft idea. Now is not the time to be increasing taxes on travellers when we looking to revive the airline and tourism industry. This means a family of four coming into The Gambia will have to pay an extra $160 on their holiday bill.”
Gambia government has been contacted for comments but couldn’t be reached as well as officials of Gambia Civil Aviation Authority couldn’t comment on the allegations.
