Domestic Flyers to Pay 5x More User Fee at Navi Mumbai Airport Than Mumbai

Set to commence operations in November 2025, Navi Mumbai International Airport will charge domestic flyers a user development fee (UDF) of ₹840, nearly 5x the ₹170 fee at the existing Mumbai Airport, as per news reports. The fee for international travellers is also significantly higher at ₹1,500 compared to Mumbai's average of ₹655.

Significantly Higher UDFs at Navi Mumbai Airport

Navi Mumbai International Airport, operated by Adani Airport Holdings (AAHL) of Adani Group, is attracting attention due to its steep user development fee. According to guidelines from the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA), domestic travellers will pay ₹840, while international passengers will shell out ₹1,500. 

In contrast, passengers departing from Mumbai Airport, also managed by AAHL, pay only ₹170 domestically and between ₹650 and ₹810 for international flights. The UDF at Navi Mumbai positions it among the highest in the country, alongside Kannur and Thiruvananthapuram airports.

Why Are the Charges Higher?

AERA determines the UDF based on a structured formula that considers factors such as infrastructure age and investment recovery. As the Navi Mumbai airport is a new facility undergoing major development, the fees are initially high. Arun Bansal, CEO of AAHL, clarified that operators provide data but do not decide the fees. The logic is that newer infrastructure requires higher fees at the outset, which typically reduce over time as investments are recovered.

Read More: Delhi Airport Plans ₹1,000 Crore Bond Issue to Fund Growth!

Impact on Passengers and Airlines

The elevated UDF is expected to affect flight ticket pricing, making it challenging for airlines to maintain competitive fares from Navi Mumbai. With operations scheduled to begin for both domestic and international services in November, passengers will experience the immediate impact of these charges. The airport is part of AAHL’s expansion plan, which also includes over ₹57,000 crore investment in a second runway, terminal, and people mover systems.

Future UDF Revisions at Other Airports

AAHL is also seeking tariff revisions at other airports under its operation, including Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Thiruvananthapuram, by March 2026. As with Navi Mumbai, these revisions are expected to reflect infrastructure upgrades and associated investments. Notably, UDFs tend to decrease in the long term, as debts incurred for infrastructure development are paid off.

Conclusion

Navi Mumbai International Airport’s steep UDF reflects its new and expansive infrastructure. Passengers may feel the pinch initially, but over time, these charges are likely to reduce as per AERA guidelines. The trend highlights how aviation infrastructure development directly influences passenger costs.

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