14 November,2024, The Crosscurrent: Since the Adani Group took over the management of Guwahati Airport landing, parking, and user development fees have surged, prompting concerns from airlines and passengers. The drastic fee hikes, more than double the previous rates, are forcing many airlines to reconsider their operations at the airport.
Under the new fee structure, domestic airlines must now pay ₹995 per metric ton for landing, effective from September 16, 2024, until March 31, 2025. This rate is set to increase further to ₹1,195 per metric ton from April 2025. Previously, landing fees were based on aircraft weight, with flights weighing upto 50 MT paying ₹310 per MT , and those weighing upto 100 MT paying ₹347 per MT. A 77-ton aircraft’s landing fee has reportedly risen from ₹33,000 to ₹1.2 lakh, an over threefold increase.
In addition to the landing fee hike, parking and user development fees have also skyrocketed. Domestic passengers now pay ₹555 in user development fees, up from ₹425, while international passengers face a charge of ₹770, up from ₹561. These fees are set to rise further, with domestic charges expected to increase to ₹625 and international charges to ₹980 by April 2025. By 2027, these fees will reach ₹695 and ₹1,120, respectively.
Previously, Guwahati Airport did not charge disembarking passengers for user development fees, but now, domestic disembarking passengers must pay ₹265, and international passengers ₹420. These steep increases are raising concerns over the long-term affordability of air travel, with critics accusing the Adani Group of prioritizing profits over passenger and airlines interests .