Samoa Airways Asks to Continue Cabotage Ops in American Samoa

Samoa Airways has asked the US Department of Transportation for permission to continue cabotage flights between Pago Pago (PPG) and Ofu (OFU) in the Manu’a Islands. The current permit ends on July 10.

The six-month extension, if granted, will roll over an exemption in place since 2023.

Cabotage refers to a foreign airline operating a revenue flight between two airports outside their home country. Pago Pago and Ofu are in American Samoa while Samoa Airways comes from Western Samoa – a short flight away but nonetheless a different country.

American Samoa doesn’t have an airline based in that country offering scheduled passenger flights, so Samoa Airways can apply for an emergency cabotage exemption.

“The Pago Pago - Manu’a Islands route is still without US carrier service, and there is no indication this will change,” the June 13 application reads. “Samoa Airways remains able to provide transportation between the two points, thus preventing severe hardship to American Samoa residents (who could otherwise be required to travel between the islands by boat).”

Samoa Airways services the route with one of its three 19-passenger DHC-6-300 Twin Otters. The flights presently operate twice a week.

“During the period January-May 2025, Samoa Airways operated approximately 210 scheduled flights transporting 2,404 passengers and more than 800 kilograms of cargo, and performed two medical evacuations using DHC6- 300 aircraft,” the filing continues.

“There is a clear need for continued cabotage service through January 6, 2026. Samoa Airways’ Pago Pago-Manu’a Islands service is also fully supported by the American Samoa government, which has previously submitted letters confirming the need for the service.”

“Approval is also supported by comity and reciprocity between the United States and the Government of Samoa. The Department has previously acknowledged the Samoan Government’s assurances that comity and reciprocity should continue to form the basis for approving carrier operations.”

You can read the application here.