Aviation minister Praful Patel tabled the bill for setting up Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) in view of the number of airports undergoing privatisation,the Times of India reports.
Under the bill, there will be an AERA to ensure free competition and that the charges remain reasonable, along with an appellate tribunal forresolving disputes.
“At present, the Airports Authority performs the role of the airport operator and the regulator, which results in confl ict of interest. This situation has often led to complaints of a mismatch between aeronautical charges levied by Airports Authority and the quality of services rendered at airports which are controlled by it,” the Bill’s statement of objects says.
Since private airports are becoming more prevalent, there’s a “requirement of level playing fi eld amongst different categories of airports in future”. AERA will regulate tariff and other charges for aeronautical services rendered at airports and to monitor performance standards of airports.
It will determine the amount of development fees in respect of major airports; service fee and monitor the performance standards relating to quality and reliability of service.