Passengers flying in and out of Delhi airport can claim a refund from airlines for the higher airport charges paid for travel after July 7, 2017, in case bookings had been made before a government order reducing airport tariff by 89 per cent came into effect.
"In respect of passengers who booked the ticket on or before July 7, 2017, but are yet to commence travel, airlines shall refund the excess amount, if any, to passengers without waiting for such claim from the passenger," an order issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on Tuesday.
Domestic passengers who have travelled out of Delhi airport are entitled to claim a refund between Rs. 235-Rs. 480, depending on the distance of the journey. Inbound travellers are entitled to claim Rs. 207-Rs. 415 from their respective airlines.
For international passengers departing from Delhi airport, the refund will be in the range of Rs 520-Rs 1,086 and arriving passengers can claim Rs 462-Rs 933.
However, passengers who have completed their journey on fares with higher airport charges after July 7 need to claim a refund within 45 days for domestic travel and 60 days for international travel out of Delhi airport.
“Domestic passengers may be allowed 45 days' time to claim the refund from airlines and international travellers may be given 60 days' time," the DGCA order said.
Following a Supreme Court directive, the DGCA ordered a reduction in Delhi airport charges by 89.40%. According to the new tariff structure that came into effect from July 7, a User Development Fee (UDF) of Rs 10 and Rs 45 will be levied on outbound domestic and international passengers, respectively, at Delhi airport. There will be no UDF on passengers arriving at Delhi airport on international and domestic flights.
Earlier, GMR Infrastructure-led Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) levied between Rs 245 and Rs 490 as UDF on each departing passenger and Rs 207-Rs 415 on each arriving one, on domestic flights.
International passengers departing from Delhi airport were charged Rs 565-Rs 1,131 and arriving passengers had to shell out between Rs 462-Rs 933.
