Guwahati airport to charge uniform fee from both domestic and international flights

Guwahati airportGuwahati airport is expected to attract more international flights from the start of next year as the airport authorities have slashed charges for international flights, making them equal to domestic flight charges.

Guwahati airport will charge uniform charges for both domestic and international passengers as well as airlines. The move aims at making more use of the airport's capacity. Sector regulator Airports Economic Regulatory Authority
(AERA) has already approved the new rates, which will take effect from 1st of January, 2014.

An Airports Authority of India (AAI) official said, "As part of our endeavour to promote regional connectivity in the country, we had asked for uniform charges to bring in more international airlines to Guwahati. The airport is also strategic in terms of its location."

This is going to be the first time in the country that an airport will charge uniform fees for both domestic and international flights.

The move may lure some international flights away from its nearest competitor Kolkata airport, which presently charges User Development Fee of Rs 400 per domestic passenger and Rs 1,000 per international passenger. It may be noted here that User Development Fee is charged to bridge the gap between cost incurred and revenues earned at an airport.