TCCI seeks review of steep parking, access charges at Thiruvananthapuram airport

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The Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) has asked the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport authorities to review the exorbitant parking and access fees levied on passengers who frequent the airport.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Airport Officer, the industry body pointed out that the present parking and vehicle access charges at Thiruvananthapuram airport appear to be exorbitantly high when compared with those at other major airports, particularly Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL).

As per the tariffs published on the official websites, CIAL charges ₹100 for private four-wheelers for up to two hours and ₹350 for 24 hours, whereas the corresponding charges at Thiruvananthapuram airport are ₹300 for up to two hours and ₹1,000 for 4–24 hours, as reflected in the tariff schedule available.

The commercial four-wheeler tariff at CIAL is ₹100 for up to two hours, whereas the tariff schedule at Thiruvananthapuram lists ₹200 for 8–30 minutes, ₹300 for 30 minutes–1 hour, and ₹400 for 1–2 hours. This substantial difference warrants a review of the existing tariff structure, it said.

Public concern has also been raised over the confusion between the drop-off and pick-up lanes. In some instances, charges are reportedly levied on vehicles carrying passengers who have come to drop someone off, even though the vehicles are neither picking up passengers nor being parked. This appears unfair, and the TCCI has requested clear signage, better lane guidance, and either a fair exemption or a reasonable nominal charge for such brief visits.

Hence, the charges may be determined scientifically, taking into consideration operating and maintenance costs, passenger requirements, traffic volume, the time taken to exit, and prevailing tariffs at comparable airports, the TCCI said.

The TCCI also asked the authorities to invite and duly consider the views and suggestions of key stakeholders, including TCCI, taxi operators, passenger representatives and other airport users, before any further revision or finalisation of the parking tariff is made.

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