AERA Introduces New Performance Standards Framework for Major Airports

The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has unveiled a groundbreaking performance standards framework for major airports in India. This new framework aims to enhance service delivery by linking tariffs to performance benchmarks, promoting improvements while imposing penalties for non-compliance. After a detailed study comparing global practices, AERA's draft framework sets out 32 objective and 18 subjective parameters for assessing airport operations.

Currently, more than 160 airports operate across India, a nation rapidly emerging as a frontrunner in the civil aviation market. Major airports in India will benefit from this uniform framework, which seeks to improve passenger experience with enhanced service quality, continuity, and reliability, while incentivizing continuous advancements.

The draft framework was outlined in AERA's consultation paper, inviting feedback from stakeholders until September 24. This initiative marks a step forward in AERA's regulatory role, which now expands beyond tariff determination to include quality standards as a priority, aiming to bring the airport services sector in line with international counterparts.

(With inputs from agencies.)