FOREIGN carriers are protesting against the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority’s (AERA) proposed increase in charges at the newly refurbished Chennai airport.
Lufthansa, in a statement, has termed the increase in airport charges “unreasonable”, and said it “would have a strong negative effect on the economy of the (Frankfurt-Chennai) sector”. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Singapore Airlines have also voiced their objections against the move.
AERA has proposed a steep increase of 118 per cent and 48 per cent in international and domestic landing charges respectively from November 1, 2012. It is also looking at levying a minimum landing fee of Rs5,000 (US$90) per landing, as well as raising parking and housing charges for planes by 83 per cent.
A higher user development fee of Rs165 and Rs667 will be imposed on each domestic and international passenger respectively from January 1, 2013.
Chennai’s attempt to raise charges is the latest in a wave of substantial fee hikes at Indian airports, including New Delhi and Mumbai.
