RGIA slashes domestic airport fee, lowering Hyderabad flight costs from September

The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) announced a significant reduction in its domestic user development fee (UDF), bringing the charge down to ₹515 per passenger. The change takes effect on 1 September 2024 and applies to all domestic departures from Hyderabad.

The UDF, a fee collected by airports across India to fund infrastructure and service upgrades, has traditionally added to the base fare of airline tickets. By cutting the charge by more than half, RGIA aims to make air travel from Hyderabad more affordable and stimulate passenger growth ahead of the busy travel season.

Airlines operating from the airport have welcomed the move, noting that the lower fee will translate into cheaper tickets for consumers without compromising service quality. The reduction is expected to benefit a broad spectrum of travelers, from business commuters to families heading to popular holiday destinations.

Industry analysts suggest that the fee cut could boost Hyderabad’s passenger traffic, which has been steadily rising as the city’s economic and tech sectors expand. The airport’s decision aligns with broader efforts by Indian aviation authorities to keep fare levels competitive amid rising fuel costs and global economic uncertainty.

Travelers planning trips from Hyderabad after the first of September should see a noticeable dip in the total cost of their tickets, as the lower UDF is reflected in the final price displayed at booking. The airport has advised passengers to check with their airlines for the exact fare adjustments once the new fee structure is implemented.