Navi Mumbai Airport’s High Passenger Fees Draw Concern From Airlines
Mumbai New Airport News
The proposed passenger fees at Adani Airports-operated Navi Mumbai International Airport are drawing concern from major Indian airlines, with carriers warning that higher airport charges could make air travel more expensive for passengers.
According to reports, the new airport has proposed a User Development Fee (UDF) of ₹620 for domestic departures and ₹270 for arrivals during FY27. The airport operator has also suggested gradual increases in these charges over the coming years.
India’s leading airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, have reportedly opposed the steep tariff structure in submissions made to the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA). The airlines believe that rising airport charges could directly impact ticket prices at a time when aviation demand is already facing pressure from high fuel costs and operational expenses.
The proposed fees at Navi Mumbai Airport are significantly higher than those charged at several existing Indian airports. For comparison, Delhi Airport currently charges around ₹129 as domestic departure UDF, while Mumbai Airport charges approximately ₹175 for domestic passengers.
Airport operators, however, argue that such charges are necessary to recover the massive investment involved in building modern aviation infrastructure. The Navi Mumbai International Airport is one of India’s biggest greenfield airport projects and is expected to play a major role in easing congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport while boosting regional connectivity.
Industry experts note that newer airports generally have higher tariffs during their early years of operation because operators need to recover construction and development costs. Over time, these fees may reduce as passenger traffic increases and airport operations stabilize.
The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority is currently reviewing the proposed tariffs before giving final approval. The decision will be closely watched by airlines, airport operators, and passengers, as it could influence airfare pricing and future airport fee structures across India’s rapidly growing aviation sector.
