Kerala MPs raised voices over the increased tariffs for the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and urged the civil aviation ministry’s intervention. Two Rajya Sabha members, John Brittas (CPI-M) and Binoy Viswam (CPI), wrote separate letters to Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu to take urgent actions.

The revised tariff was approved by the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) which includes higher User Development Fee (UDF) and landing charges, for the airport. As per reports, it will be effective from July 1 for the airport, which is managed by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd.

Brittas has urged the minister to direct relevant authorities to urgently review these excessive tariff hikes to protect the interests of passengers and prevent undue financial burdens on the airport.

He pointed out that the significant rise in User Development Fees (UDF) and other charges would heavily impact passengers and airlines, potentially making air travel less accessible and affordable for the residents of southern Kerala and surrounding regions.

Additionally, Brittas accused the airport operator of attempting to maximize revenue from passengers by drastically increasing UDF and other charges while underreporting non-operational revenue, which could otherwise help in cross-subsidizing passenger fares. “Such unethical business practices need to be addressed promptly to safeguard passenger interests,” he stated in his letter.

Expressing concerns over these tariff revisions, Binoy Viswam also sought the minister’s intervention to lower the UDF and landing charges at the airport. He emphasized the importance of making air travel affordable and accessible, calling for immediate action to revise the exorbitant tariff increases.

“The entry of Adani Group in the civil aviation sector is already adding a lot of difficulties and financial burdens on passengers… I expect your decision to be in favour of the thousands of ordinary people of Kerala travelling from the Trivandrum airport and not one benefitting the Adani Group,” Viswam wrote in the letter.

(With PTI Input)