Flying out of IGI airport to pinch your pocket

346 per cent hike in airport fee, passengers to bear burden

Domestic and foreign air travellers passing through Delhi airport will have to pay a higher User Development Fee of up to Rs 1,000 — a hike of over Rs 200.

It will come into effect on May 15. The new UDF varies on the distance to be travelled.

On April 25, the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) had decided to raise airport charges, including UDF, by a whopping 346 per cent for two years. Airlines and passengers had protested against the move, saying they will have to pay a huge amount from their own pockets.

However, AERA’s decision has been accepted by the government and notified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

Starting May 15, a departing international passenger from Indira Gandhi International Airport, who has to travel over 5,000 km, will have to pay Rs 1,068 as UDF. An arriving passenger from the same distance must pay Rs 881.10.

In the domestic sector, a departing passenger will pay Rs 462.80 for travel over 500 km and an incoming passenger Rs 391.60.

This is the first time that even incoming passengers are being included under the UDF’s ambit. The rates may go up next year, according to AERA. Air ticket prices will also be hiked depending on how much airlines pass on the burden to passengers.

Terming the move as “extremely disappointing”, the International Air Transport Association said the hike in airport charges will make Delhi “the world’s most expensive airport.”

Airline industry sources said the charges will not only burden passengers but also discourage foreign airlines from operating in Delhi.