New Bangalore airport to levy user fee

New Delhi: The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) wants to levy “user development fee” [UDF] on the passengers departing from Bangalore. The airport is slated for a March 28, 2008 opening.
As per the BIAL proposal, Rs 675 will be levied on every domestic passenger and Rs 955 on every international passenger leaving Bangalore. However, those arriving would not have to shell out any UDF. The proposal is currently before the civil aviation ministry.
The ministry, however, is of the view that the fee is on the higher side and though the BIAL is entitled to levy it as per the concession agreement, it should be a reasonable amount.
While no decision has been taken yet, the ministry has informed the BIAL authorities to reconsider the amount but the latter is understood to be reluctant to do so, informed sources told Deccan Herald on Tuesday.
Indian airports currently charge Rs 200 as service fee per passenger. Of this, Rs 70 goes to the operator and Rs 130 to the Central Industrial Security Force which takes care of the airport security. The Delhi and Mumbai airports, which have been privatised, do not charge any UDF at present.
19/12/07 B S Arun/Deccan Herald

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Categories: Airports Dec 2007, New Dec 2007