MAS reconsiders Indian strategy due to soaring airport charges

Malaysian Airlines has stated that it will rethink its India strategy due to the steep increase in Delhi airport charges and the demand for a further hike by other major airports.

“The hike in airport charges at Delhi has jeopardised our plans to increase flights from here. Other airports are also demanding a hike, so if it’s not manageable, then we have to rethink our strategy,” said Mohamed Sathik Ali, the airline’s general manager (North India).

The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) had allowed Delhi International Airport Limited to increase overall airport charges for by a staggering 346% for next two years, while Mumbai Airport has requested a 660% rise in aeronautical charges to the AERA. Chennai and Kolkata airports, operator Airports Authority of India has also asked for increase in charges.