Question : DEVELOPMENT FEE AT HYDERABAD AND BANGALORE AIRPORTS

(a) whether new airports at Hyderabad and Bangalore are likely to be opened shortly;

(b) if so, whether the outbound passengers will have to pay a hefty user development fee;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the airlines CEOs are worried about losing passengers from these booming towns by increasing user deveopment fee;

(e) if so, whether CEOs had a meeting with Aviation Secretary to do something about new charges; and

(f) if so, the steps taken or being taken by the Government to ensure that passengers are not overcharged as development fee?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) & (c) As per Concession Agreements signed by Government of India (GOI) with Hyderabad International Airport Limited (HIAL) and Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), both Airport Companies are allowed to charge User Development Fee (UDF) with effect from Airport Opening Date,duly increased in the subsequent years with inflation index from embarking domestic and international passengers, for the provision of passenger amenities services and facilities.

(d), (e) & (f) Secretary, Civil Aviation had a meeting with Chief Executive Officers of Scheduled Airlines on 5th February, 2008, wherein, amongst other things, UDF issue was discussed. Their suggestions are under the consideration of the Government.