Mumbai Airport has to wait for revised airport charges: AERA

The GVK-run Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) would have to wait till November for an upward revision in airport charges as the tariff regulator has decided to continue with the existing rates for another three months.

"Aeronautical tariff(s) approved by the Authority vide order dated January 15, 2013, shall continue up to November 30, 2015, or until the final determination of the tariffs for the second control period (2014-2019), whichever is earlier," Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) said in its order.

Aeronautical revenue consists of charges such as aircraft landing and take-off fees, aircraft parking charges and passenger services fees.

"The revenue so collected by the airport operator (MIAL) during such period shall be adjusted from the Aggregate Revenue Requirement for the second control period, starting with effect from April 1, 2014," it said.

MIAL is a 74:26 joint venture between a GVK-led consortium and Airports Authority of India.

The User Development Fee paid by passengers flying out of the Chhtrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) currently stands at Rs 274 for domestic departures and Rs 574 for the international ones.

As against a demand for an increase of 881 per cent, CSIA had got approval for a 164 per cent hike in aeronautical charges last time for the first control period.

AERA had earlier extended the continuation of the existing tariff till rpt till August 31, suggesting that it has not been able to come up with its consultation paper on tariff revision for Mumbai airport.

AERA has to prepare a consultation paper and invite feedback from stakeholders, including MIAL, before finalising the revised tariff.

(Image credits: Indiatimes)