The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has constituted an Airport Users’ Consultative Committee that will give its views on projects involving investments of more than ₹50 crore in the Chennai airport.

According to sources, the newly formed committee will discuss with user agencies and stakeholders all the development projects at the airport, including the long pending privatisation of the airport.

The 12-member committee was constituted at the instruction of Airports Economic Regulatory Authority. Members have been drawn from the hospitality and travel industries. The industry is represented by the Confederation of Indian Industry, the Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

There is also representation from airline operators, Customs Department, Bureau of Immigration and Air Passengers Association of India (APAI). The Mumbai-based Express Industry Council of India is the only representative from outside Chennai representative.

D Sudhakara Reddy, President of APAI, told Business Line that before this there was a Chennai airport advisory committee to advise senior officials on issues relating to operations and maintenance of the airport. However, this committee hardly met despite requests to meet frequently. “There is no use forming committees and not meeting frequently to sort out various issues at the airport,” he said.

“We should ensure that the users get a service proportionate to the charges they pay,” said J Krishnan, a member representing MCCI.

The Civil Aviation secretary Ashok Lavasa will meet stakeholders on Wednesday regarding air cargo activities at the Chennai airport. M Kannan, Economic Advisor to the Civil Aviation Minister and GK Chaukiyal, Member (operations), AAI, will also be part of the meeting, said sources.

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