✈️ After this decision, flying may soon become a luxury.
A major legal dispute is underway between airport operators and regulators over airport tariffs at Delhi and Mumbai airports.
📜 The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has ruled that the operators of Delhi and Mumbai airports failed to collect nearly ₹50,000 crore in airport charges between 2009 and 2014 due to incorrect tariff calculations.
Now, the recovery phase has begun.
💰 To recover this amount, airports may significantly increase the User Development Fee (UDF) — a mandatory charge added to every flight ticket.
📈 Proposed UDF Hikes:
Delhi Airport
Domestic UDF: ₹129 → ₹1,261
International UDF: ₹650 → ₹6,356
Mumbai Airport
Domestic UDF: ₹175 → ₹3,856
International UDF: ₹615 → ₹13,495
👉 That’s an increase of up to 22 times.
And ultimately, passengers will bear the cost.
Just imagine how expensive flights from Mumbai and Delhi could become if this is implemented.
⚖️ This TDSAT decision has been challenged in the Supreme Court of India, and the final verdict is awaited.
If upheld, this could be a game-changing moment for India’s aviation sector and air travellers alike.