The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has revised the User Development Fees (UDF) for Bengaluru's KIA. While departure fees are dropping, arriving passengers will now also be charged.

  • New UDF rates will take effect from September 1, 2026.
  • Charges will now apply to both arriving and departing passengers.
  • Combined domestic UDF will decrease from ₹550 to ₹425.
  • Combined international UDF will decrease from ₹1,500 to ₹1,423.

In a significant regulatory update, the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) has announced revised User Development Fees (UDF) for Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru. The revised tariff structure, intended for the fourth control period, is set to come into effect on September 1, 2026, and will remain valid until August 2029.

The most notable change in this new order is the introduction of UDF for arriving passengers. Previously, the fee was primarily levied on departing passengers. Under the new mandate, the cost will be split between both arriving and departing travelers, aligning Bengaluru with the operational models of other major Indian airports.

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Detailed Fee Breakdown

According to Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), the reduction in departure fees helps offset the new arrival charges. For domestic travelers, the departing fee drops from ₹550 to ₹300, with an additional ₹125 charged upon arrival. For international travelers, the departing fee is reduced from ₹1,500 to ₹997, with an arrival fee of ₹426.

Passenger CategoryOld Rate (Departure Only)New Rate (Combined Arrival + Departure)
Domestic₹550₹425
International₹1,500₹1,423

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this restructuring is a strategic move to fund massive infrastructural expansions. The revenue generated will support critical projects such as the Terminal 2 Phase 2 expansion, airfield works, and enhanced landside infrastructure, ensuring the airport can handle increasing passenger volumes.

The redistribution of fees ensures that the cost of maintaining world-class infrastructure is shared more equitably across the passenger lifecycle.

The tariff order specifically recognizes the heavy investments planned by BIAL. While the base UDF for departing passengers is lower, the addition of arrival fees means the total cost per journey is being recalculated. These rates will undergo further review following the completion of major airside and landside facilities currently under construction.

Did You Know?: The new tariff structure is part of the fourth control period, which spans from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When do the new airport fees start?
The new rates become effective from September 1, 2026.

2. Is the total fee for passengers increasing?
No, the combined fee for both domestic and international passengers is actually lower under the new structure.