Mumbai/Delhi: The government's efforts to make air travel affordable has received a setback with the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) rejecting the civil aviation ministry's suggestion for a reduced quantum of airport development fee and increase in tenure.
AERA took this stand while fixing the airport development fee (ADF) for Mumbai airport. AERA has kept the current charge (Rs 100 for domestic) and Rs 600 (for international) intact and set the collection period till April 2021.
GVK-group run Mumbai International Airport Limited had asked approval to collect Rs 200 and Rs 1300 from domestic and international passengers for a period of five years. However AERA rejected AERA proposal.
Ajit Singh, the civil aviation minister, said, "We were facing complaints regarding fares more from Delhi than Mumbai. More so, already Mumbai passengers will be paying Rs 100 and Rs 600 as ADF against MIAL's demand of Rs 200 and Rs 1300 for domestic and international passengers. With the recovery period being 8 years, I am sure it will be relief for passengers."
22/12/12 Disha Kanwar/Daily News & Analysis
