Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu revealed a 25% reduction in landing and parking fees for domestic airlines at Indian airports to help maintain affordable airfares amidst escalating jet fuel prices due to the Middle East conflict. This move is anticipated to slash airlines’ payments by about Rs 400 crore over three months. The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has been instructed by the Civil Aviation Ministry to implement the 25% cut in landing and parking charges at major airports immediately, with the reduction applicable to domestic flights for three months.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has also been mandated to decrease landing and parking fees by 25% at its non-major airports for domestic flights, aligning with the approved rates. Minister Naidu emphasized the government’s commitment, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, to ensuring affordable and convenient air travel for passengers. Despite a global surge of over 100% in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) costs, only a 25% increase has been passed on to passengers, with the reduction in landing and parking charges aimed at further curbing airfare hikes and supporting airlines and passengers.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to take additional steps to sustain air operations and uphold safe and cost-effective air travel for passengers. The ongoing crisis in West Asia has presented substantial challenges to global aviation, impacting Indian carriers as well. Nevertheless, the domestic aviation sector in India remains resilient, bolstered by strategic government interventions to navigate the turbulent period.
