The User Development Fee (UDF) at the Delhi airport is to be increased, as stated by the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA).
Presently, it is uniform for domestic and international passengers. The airport operator Delhi International Airport Limited had recommended 730% increase in the prevailing charges, but the AERA lowered it to 140%.
From April 16, the UDF for domestic passengers would remain at Rs 129 for embarking passengers and Rs 56 for disembarking passengers.
Under the revised tariff, international passengers flying economy class will be charged Rs 650 and Rs 275, and the business class passengers need to shell out Rs 810 and Rs 345 respectively, for boarding and deboarding.
This “toll-like” fee is used to develop, manage, maintain, operate and expand the facilities at airports. When this is the case, why are the passengers made to pay twice, once at the departing airport and again at the destination airport? Since facilities at the airports are the same for everyone, then why are international travellers asked to pay more?
