A file image of the Noida International Airport.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
Dhirendra Singh, the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Jewar assembly constituency in Uttar Pradesh on Friday (May 8, 2026) expressed concern regarding the proposed User Development Fee (UDF) and other passenger charges at the upcoming Noida International Airport, Jewar.
He has sent a detailed representation to the Prime Minister, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Union Civil Aviation Minister and Chief Secretary of the Government of Uttar Pradesh seeking reassessment of charges.
“Noida International Airport is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the country, carrying immense expectations for the people of Western Uttar Pradesh, the National Capital Region, and the entire northern region of India. The airport has the potential to emerge as a major hub for investment, employment, industrial development, and regional connectivity. However, the proposed fee structure at the initial stage appears to be contrary to public interest,” reads the letter by the MLA addressed to senior government functionaries.
“On 7th May 2026, IndiGo Airlines released the flight schedule for services commencing from Noida International Airport from 15th June onwards. As per various media reports and preliminary data available on ticket booking platforms, the airfare from Lucknow to Jewar Airport is approximately ₹5,072, whereas flights on the same sector from Lucknow to Delhi Airport are available in the range of approximately ₹3,600 to ₹4,300. This situation is a matter of serious concern because Noida International Airport was envisioned as an alternative, modern, and accessible airport for the common public. If ticket prices remain higher than Delhi Airport during the initial operational phase itself, it may impose an unnecessary financial burden on passengers and adversely affect the airport’s competitiveness,” the letter further reads.
The MLA further observed that, at present, the airport does not yet enjoy the benefit of complete metro connectivity, rapid rail access, and other multi-modal transportation infrastructure. “A large number of passengers from NCR and Western Uttar Pradesh will have to incur additional time and travel expenses to reach the airport. Under such circumstances, higher UDF and passenger charges compared to Delhi Airport do not appear to be justified,” he said.
Mr. Singh added that the Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) tax in Uttar Pradesh is merely 1%, whereas in Delhi it is approximately 25%. Despite this significant tax advantage, if ticket prices at Jewar Airport remain higher, it would be against the interests of passengers. The MLA also referred to concerns raised by aviation experts and airlines that excessively high UDF and airport charges could unnecessarily increase ticket prices, thereby adversely impacting passenger traffic, airline operations, and the long-term viability of the airport.
“Experts from the aviation sector and several airline stakeholders have also expressed apprehensions that excessive UDF and airport-related charges may lead to avoidable increases in ticket prices, thereby adversely affecting passenger traffic, airline operations, and the long-term viability of the airport. Such a scenario may risk repeating the challenges witnessed at certain newly developed airports in the past,” reads the letter.
In his representation, the MLA requested that the proposed User Development Fee (UDF) and other passenger charges be reassessed and rationalized; passenger charges and UDF during the initial operational years of Noida International Airport be kept lower than those at Delhi Airport and Necessary policy measures be undertaken to ensure that the airport remains accessible and affordable for the common public. The MLA expressed confidence that both the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the Central Government would consider the matter seriously, keeping in view public interest and the long-term economic interests of the State.
Published – May 09, 2026 11:46 am IST
