The LDF opposition in the Thiruvananthapuram city corporation has demanded the immediate rollback of revised parking, entry and passenger charges at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, saying the changes have made even short drop-off and pick-up visits more expensive for families.
In a statement issued on Monday, LDF parliamentary leader S P Deepak said the revised rates, which came into effect on October 1, had increased the financial burden on passengers and those accompanying them. He particularly objected to the reduction in the free entry period and the higher charges imposed after the free period ends.
Under the revised rates cited in the statement, private cars receive eight minutes of free parking. After that, the charge is Rs 150 for up to 30 minutes and Rs 200 for an hour. The 24-hour parking fee for cars has been fixed at Rs 1,000. For two-wheelers, the 24-hour charge has doubled from Rs 150 to Rs 300.
Deepak said the shorter free period meant that people could be required to pay even when they entered the airport briefly to drop off or collect passengers. Airport access charges can affect not only travellers but also relatives, taxi users and residents who need additional time because of traffic, security procedures or delays at the terminal approach.
The LDF leader also criticised the user development fee, or UDF, that is charged to passengers. According to his statement, the fee stands at Rs 1,200 for departing passengers and Rs 650 for arriving passengers. Deepak said these charges, when added to airfares and airport access costs, were making air travel increasingly expensive for ordinary residents.
The demand comes amid a broader dispute over who should bear the cost of airport operations and access. Deepak questioned the silence of the state government and elected representatives, including Transport Minister and MLA C P John and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor. He called for their intervention to reduce the burden on passengers and restore more reasonable parking arrangements.
Deepak also argued that the airport had been developed using public resources, including land acquired by the state government, and alleged that privatisation had enabled the private operator to impose excessive charges. The statement did not identify any response from the airport operator, the state government, the transport minister or the MP to the demand for a rollback.
The LDF has called for the restoration of reasonable parking rates, an extension of the free entry period and a reduction in passenger fees. The revised charges remain in effect unless the airport operator or the relevant authorities announce a change.
