Male Airport: MPs lash out at India's GMR over development charge

MPs today lashed out at India's GMR over its management of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport and the US$25 development charge it plans to collect from departing international passengers commencing January.
Speaking on the resolution submitted by Villufushi MP Riyaz Rasheed against the Airport Development Charge (ADC), Kulhudhuffushi-South MP Mohamed Nasheed said the people can "still cut off the wings of these people [GMR]" through collaborative efforts.
Nasheed said the agreement made by the government and GMR was not a fair deal under which the losses incurred exceeds the income.
"And I believe GMR is a way by which the influence of the Indian government and its economy will reach the Maldives. I believe GMR is a large company in India and plays a major role in the Indian economy, which in return have a major influence on the country's national security. India will, without any doubt, prioritise matters of its national security," he said.
The former Information Minister said GMR is currently receiving all the funds from airport handling.
"They received an airport operating with a huge influx of cash into its drawers. Their income increased when they raised the charges. The reality today is that they are receiving the airport handling charges and is bringing an end to the operations of duty free [shops] owned by Maldivians," he said.
Nasheed noted that Airport Reps have told him that they have been asked by GMR to "leave the airport".
"Their concern is that GMR officials will escort tourists from the time they reach the jetty in speedboats and to the check-in counters commencing January and that they will escort arriving passengers from the arrival hall to the speedboat. Two days has not passed since a person, who has been working at the airport for 22 years, told me that," he said.
Riyaz said the Indian company is increasing charges without developing the airport and is taking over duty free shops and bonded warehouses owned by Maldivians.
29/11/11 Ahmed Hamdhoon/Haveeru

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Categories: airports Nov 2011, Foreign Nov 2011