The Karnataka High Court has issued notices to officials of Mangaluru International Airport and the Airports Authority of India’s regional office over a petition challenging alleged arbitrary increases in parking fees for taxis and maxi cabs at the airport.
A single-judge bench headed by Justice C.M. Poonacha issued the notices after hearing a writ petition filed by the Dakshina Kannada Taximens and Maxi Cab Association and Harish Shetty. The petitioners have alleged that the airport introduced unscientific rules and increased parking charges without proper justification.
The petition was argued by advocate Suyog Herale on behalf of the applicants. The court also directed that notice be served on the Mangaluru International Airport authorities and adjourned the matter to December 7.
The petitioners have asked the court to prevent what they describe as arbitrary increases in parking fees. They have also sought the cancellation of a reply issued by the chief officer of Mangaluru airport on August 11, 2026. In addition, they have requested directions for the airport authorities to consider a representation submitted by the association on August 4.
Parking charges at an airport can directly affect the operating costs of taxis and maxi cabs that serve passengers, particularly when vehicles must wait at designated areas before collecting or dropping off travellers. The petition, however, challenges the manner in which the charges and rules were imposed; the court has not yet ruled on the allegations.
The Airports Authority of India’s regional officer and Mangaluru International Airport officials are now required to respond to the petition. The available report does not specify the revised parking fee, the earlier rate, the date on which the increase took effect or the exact rules being challenged.
The next hearing is scheduled for December 7, when the court is expected to consider the responses from the concerned authorities and the petitioners’ requests regarding the fee increase, the August 11 communication and the association’s representation.
