New Delhi, April 8 (NationPress) The Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu, revealed a 25% reduction in landing and parking fees for domestic airlines at airports across the nation, aiming to keep airfares affordable for travelers amidst soaring jet fuel costs due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

The Minister noted that this initiative is projected to cut the landing and parking fees owed by airlines at major airports by around Rs 400 crore over the next three months.

The Civil Aviation Ministry has instructed the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) to implement a 25% decrease in landing and parking tariffs from the current rates at all major airports. This adjustment is effective immediately for all domestic flights and will last for a duration of three months. The AERA has confirmed that any losses incurred by specific airports will be reconciled during the tariff assessment for the upcoming five-year control period.

In addition, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has also been ordered to lower landing and parking fees at its non-major airports by 25% of the sanctioned rate, applicable to all domestic flights for the same three-month time frame.

Naidu stated: "Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the government’s main goal in aviation is to make flying a more accessible and convenient option for travelers. Despite the current challenging circumstances, where global air operations are affected, we have ensured that cancellations and rising fuel prices do not heavily impact our domestic carriers. Although aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices have increased by over 100% globally, we have only transferred a limited 25% of that increase to consumers."

"Our ultimate intention is to support airlines and, consequently, passengers, by further limiting airfare hikes through the reduction of landing and parking fees imposed by airport operators. This initiative is part of the Ministry’s comprehensive strategy to maintain stability in the aviation sector during these unpredictable times and to ensure ease of air travel for passengers. It represents a significant intervention to assist airlines struggling with rising operational costs."

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to implement additional measures as necessary to ensure the sustainability of air operations and affordable air travel for passengers.

The ongoing crisis in West Asia has introduced substantial challenges to international aviation, including Indian carriers. Nevertheless, the Indian domestic aviation sector remains resilient and robust, bolstered by timely and well-calibrated interventions from the government, as stated in an official announcement.