By IANS
New Delhi : Flying to Hyderabad and Bangalore could be more expensive as the airline operators are contemplating a hike in airfares to these two cities if the government gives a nod to a proposal to levy additional user charges from passengers by these airports.
A SpiceJet airline official Friday said it could increase the fare for Bangalore and Hyderabad routes if the government allows these airports to levy additional charges.
Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, during the launch of the new Hyderabad airport last week, said he favoured additional user charges on passengers by the Bangalore and Hyderabad greenfield airports.
According to the civil aviation ministry officials, charging a user development fee is a part of the concession agreement for the development, construction, operation and maintenance of these two airports.
BIAL (Bangalore International Airport Limited), which is developing the new airport in Bangalore, has requested the central government to allow an additional levy of Rs.675 ($17) on outgoing domestic travellers and Rs.955 ($24) on international passengers. The Hyderabad airport too has made similar requests to the government.
The matter is under discussion with the aviation ministry. The latter has asked the developers of Bangalore and Hyderabad airports to reconsider their proposal regarding additional user charges. The developers of these airports have however rejected the government’s suggestion.
While Bangalore would start functioning from next month, Hyderabad airport was formally launched late last week.