GMR Airports’ Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has received regulatory approval to increase the User Development Fee (UDF) at Delhi Airport.
UDF is a fee collected from passengers and is used for the development and maintenance of the airport. This fee is included in the ticket price.
Improvements and New Charges
The UDF applies to both domestic and international passengers. Airlines collect this fee along with the ticket price
and pass it on to the airport operator, which then uses it to enhance airport facilities and improve the passenger experience.
GMR has confirmed that the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) has approved a variable tariff plan for Delhi Airport, including an increase in aeronautical tariffs. The new charges will take effect from April 16.
No Change for Domestic Passengers, Higher Fees for International Travelers
According to AERA, domestic passengers make up 80% of the total travelers at Delhi Airport.
To avoid extra burden on them, UDF rates for domestic flights remain unchanged until March 31, 2029.
Passengers departing from Delhi Airport will continue to pay ₹129, while arriving domestic passengers will be charged ₹56.
For international passengers, however, UDF has increased based on the travel class:
Economy class travelers will now pay ₹650 on departure and ₹275 on arrival.
Business class travelers will be charged ₹810 on departure and ₹345 on arrival.
Additionally, landing charges at Delhi Airport have been revised and will now be based on the size of the aircraft.
Initially, DIAL had proposed a 730% increase in UDF, but AERA approved a hike of only 140%.
