The Nadi International Airport Taxi Association is calling for an increase in taxi fares, with one of its proposed options seeking to double the current running rate from $1.50 to $3 per kilometre.
In a letter to the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Association has asked FCCC to consider its earlier submission for an increase in airport taxi fares as part of the current fare review.
The Association says its earlier submission was made in November 2025, before the fuel crisis, and was based on the broader costs involved in operating an airport taxi service.
They say airport taxi operators face additional costs including airport charges, mandatory yellow painting of vehicles, licensing, insurance, maintenance, tyres, cleaning and maintaining vehicles to the required airport standard.
The Association also says airport taxis require higher-standard vehicles, professional uniforms and assistance with heavy baggage, while drivers often have extended operating hours because of delayed or off-loaded passengers.
It says operators continuously operate at a loss under the current fare structure because of the high initial and ongoing operational costs unique to airport taxi services.
The Association says the approximate cost of purchasing an up-standard used vehicle is $39,000 plus interest of between 15 and 20 percent.
It says Nadi International Airport taxis do not compete with normal taxi service providers as other taxis are not permitted to collect passengers from Nadi International Airport.
The Association says its competition is with larger tourism operators providing private and coach transfers for the majority of travellers.
It says these competitors charge a much higher level of fare for the essential same service, putting the regulated Nadi International Airport taxis at a significant competitive disadvantage.
The Association is proposing the standard taxi flag fall increase from $5 to $7.10, while the running rate would increase from $1.50 to $3 per kilometre.
The waiting rate would increase from 18 cents to 30 cents per minute, while a $10 charge would apply for each surfboard or piece of heavy baggage.
They also propose another option where the flag fall would increase to $7.10.
The running rate would be $2.50 per kilometre within a 50-kilometre radius, while the current rate of $1.50 per kilometre would apply outside the 50-kilometre radius.
The Association says the proposed fare structure should reflect the level of service, compliance obligations and operating costs of Nadi International Airport taxis.
It is asking FCCC to consider the financial information and proposed fare structure contained in its earlier submission and approve an appropriate increase in airport taxi fares.
The FCCC is expected to respond soon.
