Private airlines operating from the Kolkata airport are likely to fork out 35-40 per cent extra for using facilities at the new terminal building. The new building is expected to be operational in October.
The Kolkata airport authority, has proposed to hike rentals for ticket counters and other space (provided to airlines) inside the terminal building.
Rent, include payments for obtaining air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned space, ticket counters, and VIP lounge facilities.
The airport Director, Mr B.P. Sharma, refused to comment on the matter. Calls and messages to him did not elicit any response. Airlines too did not say if there would be a hike in rentals.
However, Captain Sarvesh Gupta, Chairman of the Airlines Operating Committee (at Kolkata airport), confirmed that there were talks of increasing rentals for those using the new facilities.
The Airlines Operating Committee is an association of all airlines operating from the NSC Bose International Airport. There are 16 airlines that operate from the airport.
Proposed rates
The increase in rentals, according to AAI sources, will be based on a proportion of the Rs 5,000 crore modernisation programme of the facilities at the airport.
Rentals in Delhi and Bangalore inched up substantially after modernisation was taken up at these airports. Hikes are likely to be as high as 40 per cent in some cases, they said.
According to airport authorities, the rent for “air-conditioned space” at the new terminal building is likely to be raised to Rs 1,250/sq. metre/month; for non air-conditioned space rates will be Rs 700/sq. m/month.
New charges imposed by the authorities include a monthly charge of Rs 2,250 for ticket counters; while another Rs 3,500/sq. m/month will be charged for providing ‘Executive Lounge/VIP lounge’ facilities.
This apart, a 25 per cent levy might come up on the total rent to be paid by airlines as ‘space utilisation cost’.
Currently, airlines pay Rs 1,000/sq. m/month for air-conditioned space inside the airport.
This included ticket counter charges. Non air-conditioned spaces come at Rs 670/sq. m/month.