The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has waived landing charges for international flights at the Navi Mumbai International Airport for one year, with phased discounts for subsequent years. This move aims to incentivise airlines to establish new international routes from the airport, modifying previous criteria that linked waivers to the broader Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the reduction in airport charges is aimed at containing airfare increases and supporting both airlines and passengers.
Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kochi airports have hiked their landing charges by up to 45 per cent, increasing the operating cost for airlines at a time they are facing financial constraints because of the two months of grounding and weak demand.
The Airline Operators Committee has questioned the basis for shifting 33 per cent of international services to Navi Mumbai International Airport.
The cost of any flight from Delhi and Mumbai could rise by up to Rs 3,000 soon unless the airport regulator is able to reverse a court order.
Mumbai International Airport (MIAL) has proposed a significant increase in User Development Fee (UDF) for international passengers, while domestic passengers will be charged a UDF for the first time. However, MIAL also proposed a 35% reduction in landing and parking charges, aiming to balance infrastructure development with cost-effective air travel for airlines. The new tariff structure is subject to approval by the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA).
The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority has turned down Bengaluru International Airport Ltd's (BIAL) proposal to increase User Development Fee (UDF) by 239 per cent for domestic and 79 per cent for international departing passengers from the airport.
Modernisation and expansion of the Kolkata and Chennai airports are being carried.
Rivals say the concessions would benefit AirAsia alone.
The slot charge has been included in Mumbai International Airport Limited's rate revision proposal.
Any rise in charges has to be approved by the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority, which is examining MIAL's proposal.
The order would take effect from February 1 and be in force for a year.
With fewer passengers airlines bracing for a rise in operating costs due to a spike in crude prices
Under the hybrid-till model, a portion of non-aeronautical revenue (commercial revenue) at the airport is taken into consideration while fixing the landing and parking charges, user fees and other aeronautical charges.
Private airports are much better but because of poor regulation, the tariffs have shot up.
The Opposition on Monday charged the government with trying to promote crony capitalism, creating fear by giving "unbridled power" to taxmen, trying to snoop into people's lives through increased use of Aadhaar through the provisions of the Finance Bill.
