Srinagar airport declared as ‘Major airport’

The Ministry of Civil Aviation declared “Srinagar International airport” as a “Major Airport” on November 6, 2021.

Highlights

• Airport was declared as major airport by exercising powers conferred by Sub-Section (i) of Section 2 of the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008.
• Earlier on October 23, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had inaugurated international flight operations at Srinagar airport. First direct international flight was inaugurated between Srinagar, Sharjah and United Arab Emirates (UAE).

What does this decision mean?

With this decision, tariff for aeronautical services at the Srinagar Airport will be determined by Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA).

How AREA determine tariff?

• AERA has been mandated to determine tariff for aeronautical services provided at major airports, under section 13 of the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008.
• Amount of the development fees including user development fee and amount of passenger’s service fee are levied under Rule 88 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 which were formulated under Aircraft Act, 1934.

Which airports can be designated as major airports?

Central government can designate an airport as a major airport as per AERA Act, if it entertaining an annual passenger traffic of at least 35 lakhs. Centre is empowered to designate an airport as major airport by a notification.

Who decides tariffs for non-major airports?

For non-major airports, tariffs are determined by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). AAI is a body working under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA)

AERA is a regulatory agency working under Government of India, as a statutory body. It regulates tariff and other expenditure & fees for major airports. It was established under the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act (AERA), 2008. The body regulates tariffs and fees charged to airports and passengers. It also monitors the quality of service.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2021