Question : AIRPORT CHARGES

(a) whether the Government has allowed all the private developers to levy and collect airport development fee from the passengers and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the User Development Fee being charged at various airports in the country is very high, especially at Delhi Airport and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has asked the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) to review the airport charges; and

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken so far by AERA in this regard?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri G. M. Siddeshwara)

(a) & (b): No, Madam. Presently, Development Fee (DF) is being levied at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), New Delhi and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA), Mumbai from each domestic and international embarking passenger @ Rs.100/- and @ Rs.600/- respectively, as determined by Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) in accordance with the AERA Act, 2008 read with Section 22A of Airports Authority of India Act, 1994 to bridge the funding gap.

(b): The User Development Fee (UDF) is levied under Rule 89 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 as revenue enhancing measure so as to ensure that the airport operator gets a fair return on the Regulatory Asset Base (RAB). Airport wise details of the UDF being levied are at Annexure-I.

(c): No, Madam.

(d): Does not arise.