Starting April 16, international passengers flying out of Delhi Airport (Indira Gandhi International Airport) will face higher User Development Fees (UDF) as per the latest tariff revisions approved by the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA).
The changes will apply variably to economy and business class travellers, while domestic User Development Fees (UDF) charges will remain unchanged.
User Development Fees (UDF)
User Development Fees (UDF) are charges imposed by airports on passengers to fund infrastructure upgrades, enhance facilities, and improve overall service quality. These fees help airports maintain and expand terminals, runways, and passenger amenities.
Airports charge UDF to recover investment costs, ensure operational efficiency, and meet regulatory standards. It also supports technological advancements, security enhancements, and better passenger experiences, making travel smoother and more convenient.
Revised UDF Charges for International Passengers
Currently, the UDF is uniform for both domestic and international travellers. However, under the new structure:
- Economy Class: Passengers departing from Delhi will pay ₹650, while those arriving will be charged ₹275.
- Business Class: Departing passengers will be charged ₹810, and arriving passengers will pay ₹345.
| Class | Embarking (Departing) | Disembarking (Arriving) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Class | ₹650 | ₹275 |
| Business Class | ₹810 | ₹345 |
Also Read: Delhi Airport to Move All Terminal 2 Flights to T1 from April 15
No Change in Domestic UDF
Recognizing that domestic travel constitutes nearly 80% of airport traffic, AERA has decided to keep the domestic UDF unchanged at ₹129 for departing passengers and ₹56 for arriving passengers.
Differential Landing and Parking Charges
In addition to the revised UDF, landing and parking charges will now differ based on the type of aircraft:
- Wide-body aircraft will have different charges compared to narrow-body aircraft for both domestic and international flights.
- The charges have been adjusted to maintain operational efficiency and ensure that Delhi Airport remains competitive with other global aviation hubs.
Why Are the Fees Increasing?
The airport operator, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), initially proposed a 730% increase in overall airport charges. However, after a detailed assessment, AERA approved a 140% increase to balance affordability and financial sustainability.
According to AERA, this adjustment is necessary to support critical infrastructure upgrades, maintain service quality, and ensure compliance with agreements such as the State Support Agreement (SSA) and the Operation, Management, and Development Agreement (OMDA).
Impact on Travellers and Airlines
AERA has justified the differential UDF rates for economy and business class passengers under the ‘user pays’ principle, which aligns charges with the enhanced services and facilities used by premium travellers.
Additionally, AERA has rationalized airline landing and parking fees to prevent excessive cost burdens on carriers while ensuring efficient airport operations.
Final Thoughts
The revised charges are expected to impact international travellers the most, particularly budget-conscious flyers. However, AERA’s approach seeks to strike a balance between maintaining affordability and meeting infrastructure demands at India’s busiest airport.
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