Passengers flying internationally from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) will have to pay a significant fee in User Development Fees (UDF) from April 16, 2025 after the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has approved a huge 500 per cent fee hike for international flyers, which will impact both departure and arrival fees.
Under the new structure, the User Development Fee (UDF) for departing international passengers will rise to Rs 650 for economy class and Rs 810 for business class. Delhi’s IGI airport will be the first in India to introduce differential UDF rates for economy and business class.
Approving the final tariff order for the IGIA for the April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2029 period, AERA said it decided not to change the prevailing UDF of Rs 129 for domestic passengers as they comprise 80 per cent of the total traffic at the airport.
Disembarking passengers will also see an increase, with economy travellers paying Rs 275 and business class travellers Rs 345. Explaining the rationale behind having a differential rate of UDF for the international economy and business class passengers, AERA said it aligns with the ‘user pays’ principle and reflects the enhanced passenger experience and expanded facilities available and used by international travellers. The watchdog said that airport operator DIAL had proposed a 730 per cent increase in prevailing airport charges.