Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai: At a time when the World Cup is currently underway in India, Gautam Adani has given a big shock to airlines. Adani has increased the fare at Ahmedabad airport by 10 times, forcing airlines to express resentment. A notice has also been issued by the government-run Airport Financial Regulatory Authority, which sets airport rates. Apart from the series matches of the World Cup, the final match will also be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. A match between India and Pakistan also took place at this place recently. The final match will also be held on this ground. In such a situation, Adani left no stone unturned to capitalize on this opportunity.

Ahmedabad Airport is owned by Gautam Adani

Actually Ahmedabad Airport is owned by Gautam Adani. In this matter, many airlines have complained to the central government and have also demanded intervention in this matter as the Group has been accused on behalf of airlines of Ahmedabad airport increasing ground handling charges by 10 times. According to the authority, charging any fee without their permission is illegal. However, no statement has come from Adani. The Airport Financial Regulatory Authority has summoned the top management of the airport.

Airlines to suffer losses

IndiGo, SpiceJet and Vistara had bid to BCCI to transport cricket teams based on the old rates. According to the companies, increasing the charges of Ahmedabad airport in this way will cause a huge loss to the companies. This is because the BCCI has refused to pay the extra fee. Airlines are also running special charter flights to bring cricket lovers from all over the world. More than 170 charter flights took off from Ahmedabad airport in October, which is 4 times more than normal.

Agency permission must be obtained

In a media report, a senior official of Adani Airport said that this additional charge does not come under the aeronautical charges. So there is no need to take anyone's permission for this. He also mentioned that the company is reviewing the increased rates. An official from the government side explained that the charges have been imposed for ground handling services which are very important in the operation of the aircraft. The rules are clear and whatever services are provided to operate an aircraft at an airport come under aeronautical services.