On May 30, 2024, Tokyo Narita Airport operator Narita International Airport Corporation announced it will raise its passenger security service charge (PSSC), which is payable by passengers departing on international flights. For tickets issued on September 1, 2024, and beyond, the charge will increase from the current 550 yen (3.50 USD) to 700 yen (4.46 USD).
The PSSC, which covers expenses related to baggage inspection and passenger security checks, is the same for both adults and children aged two years and above. Infants under two years old are exempt from paying the charge. Unlike the passenger service facility charge (PSFC), the PSSC is the same regardless of a flight’s departure terminal.
According to the company’s press release, the PSSC is being increased to account for increased expenses related to securing enough staff and introducing new generation of equipment such as smart lanes, which allow for smoother baggage inspection. Narita Airport’s announcement follows a similar one made by Sendai Airport earlier this month.
Narita Airport’s traffic is continuing to recover from the pandemic. In FY2023 (April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024), 35.26 million passengers traveled on international flights to or from the airport. That included 17.89 million foreigners arriving at or departing from the airport on an international flight, a historic record.
