The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) has protested a proposal by GMR Group to the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority seeking a hike of the aeronautical tariffs including User Development Fee (UDF)  at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.

The AERA last month issued a consultation paper on the tariff revision for the third control period (April 2021 to March 2026) proposed by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited that manages the aerodrome, seeking comments from the stakeholders. The airport sought an increase of UDF from the existing Rs 281 to a whopping Rs 608 from October 1, a jump of 116 percent for departing domestic passengers. Similarly, the airport operator sought a 231 percent hike on international passengers to Rs 1,300 from the current Rs 393.

The GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited, during the third control period proposed to gradually increase the UDF up to Rs 728 and Rs 2,200 by the end of 2025-'26 for domestic and international passengers respectively. "In this regard, FIA humbly requests AERA to not implement any increase in the aeronautical tariff in the Third Control Period, given the adverse financial impact of COVID-19 on airlines," Federation of Indian Airlines said.

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