Bangalore international airport to charge stiff user fees from outgoing passengers
19 Dec 2007
New Delhi: The upcoming Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) may be looking forward to levying rather stiff ''user development fees'' (UDF) on outgoing passengers from Bangalore. The airport is slated for a March 28, 2008 opening.
According to a proposal put forward to the civil aviation ministry by BIAL, the company proposes to charge Rs675 on every domestic passenger, and Rs955 on every international passenger departing Bangalore. Passengers arriving at Bangalore will be spared the levy, however.
It is learnt that the ministry is balking from granting permission as it feels that the fee is on the higher side. It is clear to the ministry that BIAL is entitled to introduce a levy as per the concession agreement, but feels that this ought to be a reasonable amount.
While the ministry is yet to arrive at a decision in this regard, it is understood that it has asked BIAL authorities to reconsider the amount. Reports suggest that BIAL appears to be reluctant to do so.
Indian airports currently charge Rs200 as service fee per passenger. While Rs70 is demitted to the operator, Rs130 goes to the Central Industrial Security Force, which is in charge of airport security.
It may be noted that the Delhi and Mumbai airports, which have already been privatised, do not charge any UDF at present.