Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), operated by the Adani Group’s Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), has proposed introducing a User Development Fee (UDF) of ₹325 for departing domestic passengers. This marks a significant shift, as domestic travellers have previously not been subjected to such charges.
What Are the Proposed Changes To Passenger Fees At Mumbai Airport?
In addition to the newly proposed ₹325 UDF Charges for domestic flyers, MIAL is also seeking approval to increase the UDF Charges for international departures from ₹187 to ₹650 per passenger. The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) is currently reviewing these proposed changes and will consult before making any final decisions.
To balance the increase in UDF charges, Adani Airports has also proposed a 35% reduction in landing and parking fees for airlines. This move aims to help airlines manage operational costs and potentially prevent drastic airfare hikes.
How Will UDF Charges Fund Mumbai Airport’s Infrastructure Upgrades?
The primary motivation behind these proposed fees is to generate revenue for large-scale infrastructure upgrades at CSMIA. The airport is planning a ₹10,000 crore development project that includes:
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Construction of a brand-new domestic terminal
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Expansion of Terminal 2 to accommodate growing passenger traffic
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Improved airport facilities for a seamless travel experience
These enhancements aim to elevate Mumbai Airport to global standards while catering to the rising demand for air travel.
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Will Airlines And Passengers Bear The Cost Of These UDF Charges?
The introduction of a UDF Charges and an increase in charges for international flyers directly impact passengers, as ticket prices could rise due to additional levies. However, the reduction in airline operational costs may help offset some of these expenses, preventing steep fare hikes.
Notably, Mumbai Airport is aligning with other major Indian airports that already impose similar fees. Bengaluru International Airport currently charges ₹260 for domestic and ₹1,070 for international passengers, while Hyderabad International Airport imposes ₹375 and ₹1,000, respectively.
What Do UDF Charges Mean For Your Next Flight From Mumbai?
If the proposal gets AERA’s approval, domestic travellers will have to pay an additional ₹325 on top of their airfare, while international passengers will see an increased fee of ₹650. This could lead to higher ticket prices and influence travellers’ decisions when booking flights.
While these additional UDF Charges may seem like an inconvenience, they are meant to support extensive infrastructure developments that will ultimately enhance the passenger experience at Mumbai Airport. The proposal is currently undergoing regulatory scrutiny, and a final decision is expected after stakeholder consultations.
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For now, passengers should stay informed and be prepared for potential changes in flight costs in the near future.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
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