The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority's decision to allow the Delhi International Airport Ltd to increase user development charges by 346 per cent is becoming a political hot potato.

Opposition parties raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha and criticised the Government for allowing such a hike in airport user fee. During zero hour on Friday, CPI (M) MP, Mr K.N. Balagopal, said Delhi airport had become the most expensive airport in the world.

He said the matter was an issue of privilege as the Rajya Sabha was yet to discuss amendments to Airport Authority of India (Major Airport Development Fee) Rules, 2011. The rules, which allowed the private airport developers to levy user development fee, are yet to be adopted by Parliament, as Opposition members have moved amendments to it.

Mr Balagopal said even the International Air Travel Association has said the New Delhi airport was the most expensive. “How could the Government allow this to happen?” he said, and added that user development fee was charged even from incoming passengers in the name financial crisis being faced by the DIAL.

“When a related legislation is pending before the House for one year, how can the Airport increase the airport fee three to four times a year,” Mr Balagopal said.

CPI (M) leader, Mr Sitaram Yechury, and some members from the BJP demanded a ruling from the Chair on the issue. “Without any rule they have collected Rs 1,500 crore,” Mr Balagopal said.

He later told Business Line that he was likely to approach the Privileges Committee of Parliament against the AERA's decision. The AERA cleared a 346 per cent increase in airport charges recently. Domestic passengers will have to pay Rs 290 more and international travellers will pay about Rs 600 more as user development fee.

> jigeesh.am@thehindu.co.in

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