Hyderabad airport revises user fees

The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India has announced a significant revision to the user development fee structure at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, effective September 1, 2026. The new tariff order, which governs the five-year control period until March 31, 2031, reduces charges for departing passengers while introducing a first-ever fee for arriving domestic travelers.

Under the revised order, the user development fee for passengers departing Hyderabad on domestic flights will decrease from the current Rs 750 to Rs 515 for the first year. For international departures, the fee drops from Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,030. In a new development, arriving passengers will now also be subject to the fee. Domestic arrivals will be charged Rs 220, and international arrivals will pay Rs 440. The regulator stated that this change is intended to distribute the tariff burden more equitably, as arriving passengers also use significant airport infrastructure and terminal facilities.

The fee structure will evolve over the five-year period. For domestic departures, the fee will rise to Rs 555 in 2027-28, Rs 620 in 2028-29, and peak at Rs 670 between April and October 2029,...