Passengers flying through Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) will experience significant changes in airport charges, including the User Development Fee (UDF), effective September 1, 2026. While departing passengers will see a reduction in their UDF, a new UDF will be introduced for those arriving at the airport.
Specifically, the User Development Fee for domestic departures at BLR will decrease from ₹550 to ₹300. For international departing passengers, the UDF will be cut from ₹1,500 to ₹997, offering substantial savings.
Bengaluru Airport UDF: New vs. Old Charges (Effective Sept 1, 2026)
| Passenger Category | Existing UDF | Revised UDF | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic – Departing | ₹550 | ₹300 | ₹250 lower (45.5%) |
| Domestic – Arriving | Nil | ₹125 | New charge |
| International – Departing | ₹1,500 | ₹997 | ₹503 lower (33.5%) |
| International – Arriving | Nil | ₹426 | New charge |
These revised rates for Bengaluru Airport’s UDF have been officially approved by the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA). They form part of the airport’s aeronautical tariff for the fourth control period, spanning April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031. It’s important to note that these are ceiling tariffs and do not include applicable taxes. The new UDF will apply to tickets purchased or issued on or after September 1, 2026.
Key Impact: Savings for Departing, New Fee for Arriving BLR Passengers
Departing domestic travelers from Bengaluru Airport will benefit from a ₹250 reduction in UDF, a significant 45.5% decrease. International departing passengers will save ₹503, bringing their charge down by 33.5%.
However, passengers arriving at Bengaluru Airport will now incur a new charge: ₹125 for domestic arrivals and ₹426 for international arrivals. Previously, no UDF was collected for arriving passengers.
The practical implication for travelers hinges on their itinerary: those flying out of BLR will enjoy reduced fees, while those arriving will see an additional airport charge on their ticket.
Who is Exempt from Bengaluru Airport UDF?
The tariff order outlines specific categories of passengers who are exempt from paying the User Development Fee at Kempegowda International Airport:
- Children below two years of age
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Airline crew traveling on duty
- Certain passengers traveling on official duty
- Transit or transfer passengers continuing their journey within 24 hours on the same ticket
Revised Landing Charges at Bengaluru Airport (BLR)
AERA has also sanctioned a new fee structure for aircraft landing charges, also effective from September 1, 2026.
Domestic flights landing at BLR will incur a charge of ₹325 per metric tonne, while international flights will be charged ₹455 per metric tonne, in accordance with the applicable tariff structure.
Exemptions apply to certain aircraft, including those with a maximum certified passenger capacity of fewer than 80 seats operated by domestic scheduled airlines, DGCA-approved training flights, helicopters, and military aircraft.
Aircraft Parking, CUTE, CUSS, and BRS Charges at BLR
Aircraft parking at Bengaluru Airport will be free for the initial two hours. Following this period, standard parking charges will apply as per the approved tariff schedule.
Airlines operating from BLR will also face Common-Use Terminal Equipment (CUTE), Common-Use Self Service (CUSS), and Baggage Reconciliation System (BRS) charges. These are set at ₹75 per domestic embarking passenger and US$1 per international embarking passenger.
BLR Airport Incentives for Airlines & Route Expansion
In a move to boost connectivity, AERA’s Variable Tariff Plan offers eligible airlines discounts on landing charges for establishing new routes, serving underserved destinations, increasing flight frequencies, and expanding cargo services at Bengaluru Airport. This initiative aims to enhance BLR’s global and domestic network.
UDF Structure Linked to Bengaluru Airport Expansion
Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) has confirmed that these revised UDF rates will be in effect until August 2029. Any additional charges related to T2 Phase 2 and other future development projects will only be introduced upon their completion and commissioning.
Summary: What Bengaluru Travelers Need to Know About New Airport Fees
In essence, the upcoming changes at Kempegowda International Airport simplify to this: departing passengers will pay less UDF, while arriving passengers will face a new fee.
For domestic flights, the UDF for departures drops from ₹550 to ₹300. For international departures, it decreases from ₹1,500 to ₹997. Conversely, passengers arriving in Bengaluru will now see an additional ₹125 for domestic flights or ₹426 for international flights added to their ticket cost.
This revised tariff framework is scheduled to remain active through March 31, 2031, subject to future regulatory adjustments and potential revisions tied to major airport infrastructure projects.
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