IATA criticises hike in airport, aeronautical charges

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today strongly opposed the UPA government’s decision to hike airport and aeronautical charges by 10 per cent from this month. It feels these steps will hurt the industry that is already reeling under severe slowdown.

"India continues to deal the airline industry one successive blow after another. First, approval was given for a 10 per cent increase in charges at Mumbai and Delhi airports. Then a development fee at Delhi and Mumbai airport was given the go-ahead," the umbrella body of global airlines said today.

The Civil Aviation Ministry has decided to hike the aeronautical fees and airport charges by 10 per cent at all airports controlled by the state-owned Airports Authority of India from this month.

The IATA also slammed the government for not consulting the industry representatives before taking the decisions. "Not only have these increases not been justified, there was no attempt whatsoever to consult with the industry, which is required under (rules of) the International Civil Aviation Organisation," an IATA spokesperson said.