Raised rates for Chennai, carriers complain

The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has proposed an increase in landing charges at Chennai airport, causing foreign carriers to protest.

German airline Lufthansa said the increase in airport charges was “unreasonable” and “would have a strong negative effect on the economy of the (Frankfurt-Chennai) sector”, according to TTG Asia.

British Airways, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic also expressed their objections to the hike in fees.

AERA plans to increase international airport landing charges by 118 percent and domestic charges by 48 percent from November 2012.

The regulatory body is also considering levying a minimum landing fee of INR 5000 per landing, together with a 83 percent rise in parking and housing charges for aircraft.

Higher user development fees of INR 165 (domestic) and INR 667 (international) will be imposed on each passenger from the beginning of January 2013.

New charges have been imposed on a range of airports across India, including New Delhi and Mumbai.

Sourced: etravelblackboardasia