Jewar MLA expresses concern over proposed high charges for UDF and passengers at Noida International Airport, seeks reconsideration

File image of Noida International Airport. | Photo credit: Reuters

Dhirendra Singh, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Jewar Assembly constituency in Uttar Pradesh on Friday (May 8, 2026) expressed concern over 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 Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary seeking to reconsider the allegations.

“Noida International Airport is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the country, bringing immense expectations to the people of Western Uttar Pradesh, the National Capital Region and the entire northern region of India. The airport has the potential to become a major hub for investment, employment, industrial development and regional connectivity. However, the proposed fee structure at the initial stage appears to be against public interest,” the letter to the MLA said.

Jewar Airport in Noida: Why is it called ‘DXN’?

“On May 7, 2026, IndiGo Airlines released the flight schedule for services commencing from Noida International Airport from June 15 onwards. According to various media reports and preliminary data available on ticket booking platforms, a ticket from Lucknow to Jewar Airport is around ₹ 5,072, while flights on the same sector from Lucknow to Delhi Airport are available in the range of around ₹ 4,063, ₹ 060. This situation is a serious concern, as the Noida International Airport was intended to be an alternative, modern and affordable airport for the general public, if the fares remain higher than Delhi Airport in the very initial operational phase, it may impose an unnecessary financial burden on passengers and adversely affect the airport’s competitiveness,” the letter further said.

The MLA further noted that currently the airport is yet to enjoy the benefits of complete metro connectivity, rapid rail access and other multi-modal transport 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 charges for UDF and passengers compared to Delhi airport do not seem justified,” he said.

Mr. Singh added that the aviation turbine fuel (ATF) tax in Uttar Pradesh is only 1%, while it is around 25% in Delhi. Despite this significant tax benefit, if fares remain higher at Jewar airport, it would be against the interests of passengers. The MLA also referred to concerns raised by aviation experts and airlines that excessively high UDFs and airport charges could unnecessarily increase ticket prices, thereby adversely affecting passenger traffic, airline operations and the airport’s long-term viability.

“Aviation sector experts and several airline stakeholders have also expressed concern that excessive UDFs and airport-related charges may lead to avoidable increases in airfares, thereby adversely affecting passenger traffic, airline operations and the airport’s long-term viability. Such a scenario may risk a repeat of the problems we have witnessed at some newly constructed airports in the past,” the letter said.

On his behalf, the MLA demanded that the proposed User Development Fee (UDF) and other passenger charges be reviewed and rationalized; passenger charges and UDF during the initial years of operation of Noida International Airport should be kept lower than that of Delhi Airport and necessary policy measures have been taken to ensure that the airport remains affordable and accessible to the general public. The MLA expressed confidence that both the Uttar Pradesh government and the central government would consider the matter seriously, keeping in mind the public interest and long-term economic interests of the state.

Published – May 9, 2026 11:46 AM IST