Air India has requested lower landing charges for long-haul and ultra long-haul flights at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The Tata Group-owned airline has also sought incentives to boost international-to-international transit traffic at the airport. These proposals have been submitted to the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) as part of the tariff review for the 2024-29 control period.
The airline’s suggestions aim to enhance the airport’s competitiveness as a major international hub and improve the cost efficiency of operating long-distance flights. Lower landing fees could help Air India strengthen its position on global routes while encouraging more international travelers to use Delhi as a transit point for connecting flights.
As India’s flagship carrier, Air India is undergoing significant expansion, especially in its long-haul network. With new aircraft acquisitions and an increasing number of international routes, the airline’s request aligns with its broader strategy to transform Delhi airport into a key gateway for global air travel.
Industry experts believe that lower landing charges and additional incentives could attract more international carriers and increase passenger traffic. Such measures would also align with the government’s vision of making India a major aviation hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
AERA is currently evaluating Air India’s proposals along with inputs from other stakeholders before finalizing the tariff structure for the next five years. If approved, these changes could boost Air India’s long-haul operations while reinforcing Delhi airport’s role as a critical link in global air travel.
