Regardless of any fluctuations in airfare prices that may occur in the near future, travelers departing from Australia for destinations abroad — including, of course, their beloved Greece — will have to factor in an additional fixed charge to their expenses.
According to the new federal budget , a new increase in the Passenger Movement Charge (PMC) will come into effect from January 1, 2027 , which will now amount to $80 , up from the current $70 for each international departure.
This is the second adjustment in a short period of time, as this fee was increased again on July 1, 2024 , also by $10, climbing from $60 to $70.
The Australian government estimates that this new charge on international flights will bring in an additional $755 million to the treasury over five years. However, in order to avoid disruption for those planning their trips in good time, a six-month transition period is foreseen for airlines, which will only cover cases where ticket reservations have already been made before the measure is implemented.
This decision, as expected, provoked a strong reaction from tourism industry bodies , led by the Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) .
Market representatives are sounding the alarm, warning that the new increase will further hit a sector that is already under suffocating pressure. As they characteristically point out, both airlines and passengers themselves are constantly being asked to absorb increased fuel and operating costs , in an extremely volatile period where geopolitical developments and the prolonged crisis in the Middle East keep final ticket prices high.
