• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Flight Ticket Price Hike Update: Airfares at Delhi and Mumbai airports may rise, as passengers could soon face higher user fees. This follows a directive from the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), which may lead to an increase in charges levied on travellers at both airports.

According to a report quoted by Jagran Business, user fees could increase by up to 22 times. The increased user fees could also lead to an increase in air ticket prices at these two airports.

How Much Will User Fees Increase?

If the new user fees are implemented, the user development fee for international passengers flying from Mumbai will increase from the current Rs 615 to Rs 13,495. According to the report, the user development fee for domestic passengers at Delhi airport could also increase from Rs 129 to Rs 1,261, and for international passengers, it could increase from Rs 650 to Rs 6,356. At Mumbai airport, it could increase from Rs 175 to Rs 3,856 for domestic passengers.

ALSO READ: Sanchar Saathi App Row: Centre’s Directive To Smartphone Makers Draws Ire; Why Oppn Terms It A 'Surveillance Moment'

Why Are User Fees bBeing Increased?

According to the report, the tribunal's order has restructured the way tariffs are calculated for five years, from FY09 to FY14, creating a scenario where both airports now face outstanding dues of over Rs 50,000 crore due to under-recoveries during this period.

This outstanding amount will come from passenger fees, landing costs, and parking fees, which could make flight tickets more expensive. Consequently, people may have to pay more.

Matter Reached Court

The TDSAT order has been challenged in the Supreme Court by the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA), domestic airlines, as well as foreign airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France, and Gulf Air. The case will be heard by a bench of Justices Arvind Kumar and Nilay Vipinchandra Anjaria on Wednesday.

ALSO READ: Weather Report Today: Cyclone Ditwah Brings Heavy Rain To Tamil Nadu, Severe Cold Grips North India; Check Delhi, UP Forecast

Passengers Will Be Affected

The final decision will rest with the Supreme Court, however, if the proposed user development fee increases are implemented, passengers at Delhi and Mumbai airports could face significant increases in ticket prices.

Also In News