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Lanka to double air space rates, landing and other charges
View(s):The Government is planning to increase the rates for use of Sri Lanka’s air space by international airlines and other flights, ground handling and waiting charges.
A cabinet paper to this effect is to be submitted by the Transport and Civil Aviation Ministry next month.
Aviation Minister Arjuna Ranatunga told the Sunday Times the revision was expected to double the existing charges which were one of the lowest in the region. He said the last revision was made some 34 years ago.
The minister said Sri Lanka’s charges had not been revised in the past few decades mainly due to the war.
He said a study had revealed that Sri Lanka could be more competitive and, therefore, was now in a position to revise the charges and earn more revenue.
At present, Sri Lanka charges from US$ 100 to US$ 250 for aircraft flying over Sri Lanka, depending on the size of the planes. At present, Sri Lanka earns US$ 13 million a year. With the increase, the revenue will rise to US$ 26 million.
The charges are for sharing meteorological data, the use of the radar system, security and the fight path.
Also to be doubled are the charges for landing. At present, an A330 aircraft is charged around US$ 840 for three-hours and, thereafter, 10 percent is added for every three hours.