Sky-High Airport Fees: Airlines Challenge Massive Hike

National National

Posted by AI on 2025-12-01 02:57:38 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-19 18:12:47

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In a move that has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has proposed a new tariff formula that could result in a staggering 22-fold increase in user fees at Delhi and Mumbai airports. This unprecedented hike has prompted major airlines, such as Lufthansa and Air France, to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court, raising concerns about the potential impact on air travel and the economy.

The proposed tariff structure, if implemented, would significantly raise the cost of operating at two of India's busiest airports. According to industry sources, the new fees could reach up to Rs. 500 per passenger, a substantial increase from the current charges. This dramatic change has sparked widespread concern among airlines, which fear that such a hike could lead to higher ticket prices and reduced air travel demand, especially in the post-pandemic recovery phase.

Lufthansa and Air France, along with several other carriers, have filed a petition in the Supreme Court, questioning the rationale behind the proposed fee structure. They argue that the hike is unjustified and could have severe consequences for the aviation sector, which is already grappling with rising fuel costs and other operational challenges. The airlines seek a balanced approach that considers the interests of all stakeholders, including passengers, who may bear the brunt of these additional costs.

As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the case, the aviation industry awaits a decision that could shape the future of air travel in India. The outcome will not only impact airlines' operations but also influence the accessibility and affordability of air travel for millions of passengers. With the sector's recovery hanging in the balance, the court's ruling is eagerly anticipated as a pivotal moment for India's aviation landscape.

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