Bengaluru Airport UDF Reduced Effective September 1: New Charges for Arriving Passengers
Bengaluru Airport will reduce UDF for departing passengers beginning September 1, 2026, while imposing new charges for arriving domestic and international travelers.
Passengers utilizing Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport may see significant changes in airport fees from September 1, 2026. The User Development Fee (UDF) will be reduced for departing passengers, but a new UDF will be implemented for those arriving at the airport.
Domestic departures will reduce the UDF from ₹550 to ₹300. International departing travelers will pay ₹997 instead of ₹1,500.
Bengaluru Airport UDF: Existing vs. Revised Charges
The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) has accepted the amended charges as part of the Bengaluru airport's aeronautical tariff for the fourth control period, which runs from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2031.
The rates are ceiling tariffs, which do not include any relevant taxes. The new UDF will apply to all tickets issued on or after September 1, 2026.
Departing Passengers Get the Bigger Benefit
Domestic travelers receive a ₹250 reduction per departure, lowering the UDF by 45.5%. International passengers will save ₹503, a reduction of 33.5% from the current charge.
However, there is a catch for arriving passengers. Bengaluru airport will now collect ₹125 from domestic arrivals and ₹426 from international arrivals, where no UDF was charged previously.
For Indian travelers, the practical impact will vary depending on whether Bengaluru is the starting point or the destination. Someone flying out of the airport receives a cheaper UDF, however visitors arriving in Bengaluru will have a new airport fee added to their ticket.
The tariff order allows exemptions from the User Development Fee (UDF) for many passenger groups, including:
Children under two years of age
Diplomatic passport holders
Airline crew traveling on duty
Certain passengers traveling on official duty.
Transit or transfer passengers continue their journey within 24 hours on the same ticket.
Landing Charges Are Also Revised.
AERA has also authorized a revised framework for aircraft landing charges, effective September 1.
The landing charge for domestic flights is ₹325 per metric ton, whereas international flights are charged ₹455 per metric ton, based on the tariff system.
Certain aircraft are excluded. This covers aircraft with a maximum certified passenger capacity of fewer than 80 seats operated by domestic scheduled airlines, as well as DGCA-approved training flights, helicopters, and military aircraft.
First two hours of aircraft parking are free.
The first two hours of parking at Bengaluru airport would be free of charge for aircraft. Following that period, charges will be applied in accordance with the authorized tariff schedule.
Airlines will incur CUTE, CUSS, and BRS charges of ₹75 per domestic passenger and US$1 per international passenger. These include commonly used terminal equipment, self-service amenities, and baggage reconciliation systems.
Bengaluru Airport provides incentives for new routes.
AERA's Variable Tariff Plan provides landing-charge discounts to eligible airlines for new or underserved routes, increased frequency, and cargo services, potentially enhancing Bengaluru's connectivity.
UDF Structure is Linked to Airport Expansion
BIAL stated that the revised UDF prices will apply until August 2029. Additional charges for T2 Phase 2 and other projects will not commence until after they have been completed and commissioned.
What Bengaluru Tourists Should Know
For domestic flights, the UDF decreases from ₹550 to ₹300. International departures now cost ₹997, down from ₹1,500. Passengers arriving in Bengaluru will now be charged an additional ₹125 or ₹426 based on their domestic or international flight.The updated tariff system will apply until March 31, 2031, subject to regulatory provisions for the next control term and any adjustments related to major airport developments.
Travunited Take:We regard the UDF reduction as excellent news for departing travelers, however new arrival fees reduce the gain. Frequent Bengaluru fliers should still notice significant savings, particularly on foreign trips.
