Mumbai/ Delhi: In a move that will make air travel from Mumbai costlier, the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (Aera) has approved a 154 per cent increase in aeronautical charges at the city’s airport and, for the first time, introduced a steep user development fee (UDF) on the passengers flying out of the city. The order would take effect from February 1 and be in force for a year. The aeronautical charges include those for parking, landing, fuel throughput and common check-in terminals.
From February 1, passengers would have to pay Rs 346 and Rs 692 more on their domestic and international tickets, respectively. However from April 1 to March 31 next year, passengers would pay a lower UDF of Rs 274 and Rs 548 for domestic and international travel, respectively. The regulator has also allowed the Mumbai airport to levy penalties on private jets overstaying at the airport but has rejected its demand to levy a fee on airlines that do not utilise their slots.
These measures would lead to an average increase of five-seven per cent on domestic fares of Rs 5,000-7,000 from Mumbai.
17/01/13 Business STandard
