In July, following financial disputes over debt and unpaid fees, Star Marianas Air announced it would likely be ceasing operations between Tinian and Rota, two of the Northern Mariana Islands.
According to the Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth Port Authority (CPA), Star Marianas Air owe $1.2 million in service fees for their use of airport facilities across the Commonwealth. In a letter to Governor Arnold Palacios (I), the airline’s Board Chair Robert Christian protested the fees, arguing they were calculated opaquely, included services that the Star Marianas did not use, and were disproportionate to the airlines’ actual use of airports.
Star Marianas is currently the only airline servicing any travel from Tinian and Rota, leaving the islands inert and stranded should they close. Christian was not afraid to utilize this fact, writing to Governor Palacios that “the Tinian and Rota airports serve communities that rely heavily on Star Marianas for essential transportation. The current fee structure jeopardizes our ability to continue providing this vital service, potentially isolating the community and hindering economic development.” In clarification, Christian added that should the dispute over fees not be resolved, Star Marianas Air would close its services for Tinian and Rota.
Governor Palacios has attempted to mediate between the CPA, which is levying the fees, and the Star Marianas Air, and his calls for compromise have been joined by the mayors of both Tinian and Rota. However, the Commonwealth Port Authority has remained steadfast in administering the fines. Steve Mesngon, Rota’s representative to the CPA, argued that Star Marina’s actions essentially amounted to blackmail, saying “[SMA] is basically threatening us and I don’t like that.”
This is not the first time that disputes between airlines and the government have lead to the cessation of services. Last year, Marianas Southern Airways, closed operations in Saipan, the principal island in the Northern Marianas, after the Commonwealth prematurely terminated a contract.
On August 27, Star Marianas Air announced it was rescinding its notice of closure, due to the efforts of the Palacios administration, The situation nonetheless highlights the tenuous state of transportation services in the islands amidst troubling economic and administrative challenges.