Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad will introduce revised User Development Fee (UDF) charges from September 1, 2026. The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) approved the new tariff structure for Hyderabad Airport’s fourth control period, which will continue until March 31, 2031. The revised charges will lower the UDF for passengers departing from Hyderabad.
What Is the User Development Fee?
The User Development Fee is an airport-related charge that helps support airport infrastructure and passenger services. Airports use these funds for facilities such as terminals, aerobridges, baggage systems, travelators and other services used by passengers. Travelers usually see the UDF as part of the airport charges included in their fare breakup. The amount can vary depending on whether a passenger travels on a domestic or international flight.
Hyderabad Airport Introduces UDF for Arriving Passengers
From September 1, Hyderabad Airport will introduce a UDF for arriving passengers. The new arrival charges are:
- Domestic arriving passengers: Rs 220
- International arriving passengers: Rs 440
AERA introduced these charges because arriving and departing passengers both use airport facilities. The revised structure shares some infrastructure costs between passengers arriving at and departing from the airport.
Lower UDF for Departing Passengers
Passengers flying out of Hyderabad will pay a lower UDF under the revised tariff order. The updated departure charges are:
- Domestic departing passengers: Rs 515, reduced from Rs 750
- International departing passengers: Rs 1,030, reduced from Rs 1,500
The new rates reduce the existing UDF by about 31% for both domestic and international departures. GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), the airport operator, had proposed a UDF of Rs 580 for domestic departures and Rs 1,150 for international departures. AERA approved lower amounts.
Why AERA Revised the Hyderabad Airport UDF
AERA changed the fee structure to create a more balanced system for recovering airport infrastructure costs. Passengers arriving at Hyderabad Airport also use facilities such as baggage belts, aerobridges, travelators and terminal areas. By adding an arrival UDF, the regulator can distribute a part of the airport’s cost burden between arrivals and departures. This approach allows Hyderabad Airport to reduce the UDF for passengers flying out of the airport.
Landing Charges for Airlines Also Revised
AERA has also revised landing charges for airlines operating at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The new landing charges are:
- Domestic flights: Rs 435 per metric tonne
- International flights: Rs 630 per metric tonne
These charges apply to airlines and form part of their overall airport operating costs. Airlines may consider several factors, including airport charges, fuel prices and demand, when setting ticket prices.
What the New Charges Mean for Travelers
The new Hyderabad Airport UDF structure affects both arriving and departing passengers. Travelers departing on domestic or international flights from Hyderabad will benefit from lower UDF charges. However, passengers flying into Hyderabad will pay a new airport-related fee.
Before booking flights to or from Hyderabad, travelers should check the fare breakup and airport charges. This can help them understand the total cost of their domestic or international journey.
Hyderabad Airport UDF Changes Take Effect in September
The revised tariff order will take effect on September 1, 2026, and remain valid through March 31, 2031. The new system lowers the UDF for departing passengers while introducing arrival charges to share airport infrastructure costs more evenly. Travelers using Hyderabad Airport should review the revised UDF charges when planning domestic or international flights.
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