AERA Designates Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun as a 'Major Airport'

The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) has officially designated Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport as a 'major airport,' a move initiated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). This classification is granted to airports that handle annual passenger traffic exceeding 3.5 million.

In July, AAI submitted a proposal to AERA, outlining plans to enhance the airport's passenger handling capacity from its current 0.40 million to 4.47 million passengers per year. The airport, located in Uttarakhand, recorded a passenger throughput of 1.60 million in the 2023-24 fiscal year, surpassing its existing capacity. AAI projects that traffic will reach approximately 4.37 million passengers annually by 2033-34.

AERA's review noted that AAI has invested ₹483.05 crore in capital expenditures during FY 2023-24 for upgrading the passenger terminal to accommodate current and future growth. The regulator confirmed the designation of Jolly Grant Airport as a 'major airport' under Section 2(i) of the AERA Act, 2008, effective April 1, 2024.

AERA is responsible for determining aeronautical tariffs at major airports, which includes airport development and passenger fees, as well as monitoring service quality and efficiency. Following the order, AAI will be required to submit a multi-year tariff proposal to AERA within three months.

ET