Some levies on fliers cut, but others set to go up

MUMBAI: The economic regulator for India’s airports has knocked off the user development fee (UDF) for domestic fliers and nearly halved it for international travellers

MUMBAI: The economic regulator for India’s airports has knocked off the user development fee (UDF) for domestic fliers and nearly halved it for international travellers from Mumbai.

HT Image

People wanting to go for a vacation during the Diwali holidays may want to rejoice but should exercise caution, because the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) order has permitted the airport to hike certain other charges collected from airlines, which might eventually be passed on to passengers from November 1.

Domestic fliers who now pay a UDF of Rs 274 will not be charged till 2019. For those travelling abroad, the fee will come down from Rs 548 to Rs 227. The charge for financial year 2018 is Rs218 and Rs 278 for the next year. But a hike in other charges that the Mumbai International Airport Limited collects from airlines might pinch fliers.

Touchdown charges for single aisle aircraft such as the Airbus A320, have been doubled. Such planes form a majority of the fleet used for domestic airlines operations in the country. Similarly, charges for automated boarding card dispensing kiosks, passenger boarding bridges, refuelling and others saw hikes, the order stated. “Airlines have been offering fat discounts because fuel prices are low. But such hikes might rob passengers of the benefit,” said a Colaba-based travel agent, requesting anonymity.

There will be stiff penalties for private jets overstaying parking time. An Airbus A319 private jet will be charged Rs15,000 an hour for exceeding its permitted time.