Domestic UDF at BIA fixed at Rs 260

Bangalore: Come January 16, all domestic outbound passengers from the Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) will have to shell out Rs 260 towards User Development Fees (UDF). This directive of the Civil Aviation Ministry was announced on Friday.
In response to the domestic UDF application filed by BIA promoters, the Ministry has directed all departing domestic passengers to pay the UDF starting January 16, irrespective of the date of booking or purchase of ticket. The UDF receipt can be obtained at the counters located before the departure hall of the terminal building. During the opening days, BIA had proposed to charge Rs 675 for domestic passengers and Rs 1070 for international passengers.
While Rs 1,070 was persisted with, the Ministry had deferred its decision to allow the BIAL to charge fee for inland flights.
The levying of the UDF on passengers has been mired in controversy, with PILs filed against it in the High Court. “UDF is a crucial revenue stream for us and although we have not been allowed to charge the amount we requested, this is a beginning. The presently approved UDF is an ad-hoc UDF. The final UDF will be decided by the Ministry of Civil Aviation after further reviews or by the regulatory body, who will be appointed by the Government of India soon,” said Albert Brunner, CEO, Bangalore International Airport Limited.Brunner said that the rationale behind the UDF is the investment of Rs 2,237 crore involved in the design and construction of the airport. The UDF is also levied considering the passenger amenities, services and facilities that are being made available to the domestic and international passengers.
10/01/09 Express Buzz

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Categories: Airports Jan 2009