Starting April 16, 2025, international passengers flying from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), Delhi, will face a significant rise in User Development Fees (UDF). The revised charges are part of a 148% increase in aeronautical tariffs approved by the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) for the ongoing control period ending in March 2029.

Breakdown of the New UDF Charges

• Departing International Passengers:

  • Economy Class: ₹650 (up from ₹129, a 403% hike)

  • Business Class: ₹810 (up from ₹129, a 527% hike)

• Arriving International Passengers:

  • Economy Class: ₹275 (new charge, previously not applicable)

  • Business Class: ₹345 (new charge, previously not applicable)

• Domestic Passengers:

  • Departing passengers will continue to pay ₹129, with no changes.

  • Arriving passengers will continue to pay ₹56.

The new fee structure aims to support infrastructure development at Delhi Airport and position it as a hub for international long-haul flights.

Rationale Behind the Fee Hike

GMR Airports, the parent company of Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), emphasized that the tariff revision is necessary due to:

1. Higher operational costs at Delhi Airport.

2. Insufficient cash flows to sustain airport infrastructure projects.

3. A projected financial loss of ₹1,794 crore in FY25.

The existing yield per passenger at Delhi Airport stood at ₹145 under the previous control period. With the new tariffs, it will increase to ₹360 per passenger till March 2029.

Changes to Landing and Parking Fees

To encourage long-haul international flights, GMR Airports announced that:

• Landing charges for wide-body aircraft on direct flights to new international destinations will be waived off.

• Parking and landing charges for airlines have been rationalized to remain competitive with other international airports.

Impact on Travelers and Airlines

• International travelers flying from Delhi will now pay higher departure and arrival fees.

• Domestic passengers remain unaffected, as AERA decided to keep their charges affordable.

• Airlines operating wide-body aircraft on new international routes will benefit from landing charge waivers.

Conclusion

The sharp increase in UDF at Delhi Airport is part of a broader effort to improve infrastructure, expand international connectivity, and address financial constraints. While domestic passengers escape the fee hike, international flyers will bear significantly higher costs starting April 16, 2025. The move may impact ticket pricing and overall affordability for travelers flying to and from New Delhi.

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