NEW DELHI: The pandemic’s severe blow to aviation has led to India allowing annual hikes in aeronautical charges — levied by airports on airlines, based on which the latter price tickets — and user development fees (UDF) that are paid directly by passengers from next fiscal. The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has finalised aeronautical tariffs and UDF for Kochi Airport till March 31, 2026. Both the aero charges and UDF will rise from next April till December 31, 2025, and then fall till the next order for this airport is issued.
A number of other big airports like Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad have sought annual hikes in charges. AERA recently followed a similar model for Bengaluru. Other airport operators seeking annual hikes could be allowed the same.
