Airlines criticise airport developer’s demand for 10% fee hike

New Delhi: The demand by the joint venture companies running Mumbai and Delhi airports to raise their charges by 10% for the second time this year has been criticised by the aviation industry, which feels it would add to the pressure mounted by the high jet fuel cost burden.
Both GVK-led Mumbai International Airport Ltd and GMR-led Delhi International Airport Ltd have separately written to the Civil Aviation Ministry seeking 10% hike in the airport charges, saying the hike was part of their concession agreement. The ministry is yet to take a decision on the issue but is examining the proposals from the private airport operators.
The industry, which recently gave an unprecedented strike call to protest high jet fuel prices and steep airport charges, is demanding no further hikes in the airport charges, which include levies for landing, route navigation, parking and facilitation.
Industry sources said when the sector was passing through extreme financial pressures, there was no real urgency for the ministry to allow a second hike in airport charges this year.
Seeking early steps to make the newly-created Airport Economic Regulatory Authority functional, they said any decision on these charges should be left to this body which should decide after a proper review of the entire gamut of problems being faced by the industry.
30/08/09 PTI/Livemint

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Categories: Airports Aug 2009, Indian Aviation- In General Aug 2009