Starting May 16, 2025, passengers departing from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will face increased travel costs as a revised User Development Fee (UDF) comes into effect.
The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) has approved the new fee structure to support critical infrastructure upgrades across the airport. Domestic travellers will see the UDF rise from ₹120 to ₹175, while international flyers will pay ₹615 in economy class and ₹695 in business class, a sharp increase from the previous flat rate of ₹187. The revised fees will remain in force until March 31, 2026. The steep hike, particularly for international passengers, is part of Mumbai International Airport Limited’s (MIAL) broader plan to fund an estimated ₹10,000 crore in infrastructure developments. Projects include the full redevelopment of Terminal 1, enhancements to Terminal 2, and upgrades to runways, taxiways, and digitised passenger services.
AERA’s approval follows MIAL’s proposal, which argued for increased investment to accommodate growing passenger volumes and align with global airport standards. The revised UDF will directly contribute to the financing of these modernisation efforts aimed at easing congestion and improving operational efficiency. In a move to balance costs, MIAL has also proposed a 35% reduction in landing and parking fees for airlines. This relief is expected to help carriers manage operational expenses and keep ticket prices stable despite the UDF increase. As a result, the Yield Per Passenger (YPP) is projected to rise from ₹285 to ₹332 — an 18% jump reflecting the revised fee structure and cost savings for airlines.
As Mumbai airport gears up for large-scale transformation, the revised UDF marks a significant development for both passengers and the aviation industry. While the fare increase may pinch travellers’ wallets, airport authorities assert it is necessary to ensure world-class facilities and future-ready infrastructure.
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Flying Out of Mumbai to Cost More from May 16 as Airport Revises User Development Fee
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