Mumbai Airport Fare Hike Explained: What Is UDF and Why Are Prices Rising?
Mumbai : Travelers at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) could soon experience a notable rise in the User Development Fee (UDF). According to reports airport authorities have proposed an increase in the UDF, which is expected to take effect from the upcoming financial year, pending a meeting scheduled for March 25 in Delhi.
The Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), which manages CSMIA, has submitted this proposal to the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA). Along with the UDF hike, MIAL has also suggested a 35 percent reduction in landing and parking fees.The proposed User Development Fee (UDF) for international travelers is expected to increase to Rs 650, while domestic passengers, who are currently exempt, may soon be charged Rs 325. The UDF is a fee collected by airlines on behalf of airport authorities to support infrastructure development, modernization, and maintenance. At present, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has one of the lowest UDF rates in the country, with an existing fee of Rs 187 for international departures.The proposed UDF hike is driven by the airport’s high passenger traffic and the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades.
An official mentioned that the additional funds would be used for improvements like self-baggage drop services, digital travel solutions, facial recognition e-gates, enhanced lounges, and sustainability initiatives. The proposed changes could see the UDF for international travelers increase to Rs 650, with an alternative plan suggesting a fee of Rs 463. This increase is part of ongoing efforts to modernize airport facilities and better serve the millions of passengers who travel through the airport each year.As per the Airports Authority of India, the User Development Fee (UDF) for departing passengers at new Greenfield and Joint Venture airports is as follows: Bengaluru International Airport charges Rs. 260 for domestic and Rs. 1070 for international passengers; Hyderabad International Airport charges Rs. 375 for domestic and Rs. 1000 for international passengers; Delhi International Airport charges Rs. 200 for domestic and Rs. 1300 for international passengers; and Mumbai International Airport charges Rs. 100 for domestic and Rs. 600 for international passengers.