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New Delhi March 5 The Government is considering a proposal to double the airport charges at Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore for domestic airlines operating between 7-10 a.m. and 6-10 p.m. to ease the congestion being faced at these airports.

"We are considering a clear system of incentives and disincentives for airlines operating from these three airports during the seven peak hours. The airport charges for airlines that fly at non-peak hours will be lower, while those flying in the peak hour could pay double. If the proposal is approved, then it could be implemented by the end of the month when the new summer schedule starts," the Secretary of Civil Aviation, Mr Ashok Chawla, said.

The doubling of the airport charges could put an additional burden of between Rs 22,000 and Rs 25,000 per landing, officials said. The move is being considered, as there is heavy congestion at these airports.

Airlines estimate that it costs Rs 500-600 per minute in fuel charges alone when the aircraft is taxying, while it costs almost Rs 2,000 per minute when an aircraft is holding over an airport. In December last year, it was estimated that the average taxying time at Bangalore was 14-25 minutes, while in Mumbai it was 11-18 minutes, while ideally it should not take more than a minute, airline officials said. Most domestic airlines are already charging a congestion surcharge of Rs 150 to offset the increase in costs.

While airlines refused to comment on whether the implementation of the new proposal could see a fare hike, the Secretary felt that some element of the increase could be passed on to the customers.

On the issue of modernisation of Kolkata and Chennai airports, the Secretary said that Airports Authority of India has indicated that it would require about Rs 2,000 crore for modernising Kolkata airport, while the Tamil Nadu Government is keen to follow the joint venture route like in Delhi and Mumbai.

"The Kolkata airport project will be completed in two phases with the first phase being completed during the 11th plan period," Mr Chawla said.

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Govt may hike airport charges at peak hours in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore

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