Mangaluru: Commercial cab operators at Mangaluru International Airport will now have to pay revised access charges, which includes a new Rs 50 fee for passenger drop-offs . The recently introduced pick-up charge stays at Rs 180.

The revised tariff came into effect on October 1 and applies only to commercial vehicles. Private vehicles are exempt from the new access charges, according to an airport official.

Under the revised system, commercial four-wheelers dropping passengers at the airport will have to pay Rs 50 if they exit the premises within eight minutes. The new charge is expected to be passed on to passengers rather than being absorbed by cab operators.

The change comes as the airport continues to regulate vehicle movement and manage traffic within the terminal area.

Rs 50 charge introduced for commercial drop-offs

The most significant change for passengers using app-based taxis and other commercial cabs is the introduction of a Rs 50 drop-off charge.

Commercial four-wheelers dropping passengers will be charged Rs 50 when they enter the airport and leave within eight minutes. According to the airport, the fee will ultimately be borne by passengers using the service.

The revised charge applies only to commercial vehicles. Passengers arriving at the airport in their own private cars will not have to pay the new commercial drop-off fee.

The airport operator has described access charges as part of the normal system used at airports to manage and maintain landside facilities.

Commercial pick-up charge rises to Rs 200

The charge for commercial cab pick-ups has also been increased.

Previously, commercial four-wheelers were charged Rs 180 for pick-up. Under the revised tariff, the charge has been raised to Rs 200.

The increase applies to commercial vehicles entering the airport to pick up passengers. The revised fee structure is intended to regulate commercial vehicle movement within the airport premises.

For passengers, the change means that those using commercial cabs for airport pick-ups may see the access charge reflected in the overall cost of their journey.

Revised charges based on duration

The airport has also specified different charges depending on how long a commercial four-wheeler remains inside the premises.

Under the revised tariff, commercial four-wheelers will be charged:

  • Rs 200 for stays of up to 30 minutes
  • Rs 300 for 30 minutes to one hour
  • Rs 400 for one to two hours
  • Rs 500 for two to three hours
  • Rs 600 for three to four hours
  • Rs 1,200 for four to 24 hours

The duration-based structure is intended to regulate vehicle access and discourage prolonged stays in areas meant for passenger movement.

The airport’s published parking information also provides separate tariffs for private vehicles, commercial vehicles and other categories, with charges varying according to vehicle type and duration.

Private vehicles remain exempt from commercial access fee

The revised commercial tariff does not apply to private vehicles in the same manner.

According to airport officials, private vehicles are exempt from the new commercial access charges. However, the free access period for private vehicles has been reduced from 10 minutes to eight minutes.

This means motorists bringing passengers to the airport in private cars will have a shorter free-access window before applicable parking charges come into effect.

The airport’s published parking tariff separately lists charges for private four-wheelers, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, commercial vehicles, minibuses and buses.

Airport cites landside facility management

The airport operator said access charges for commercial vehicles are a standard practice at airports.

The revenue generated through such charges is used towards the management and maintenance of landside facilities. These include security arrangements, electricity, infrastructure maintenance, traffic management, personnel, sanitation and other amenities for passengers, drivers and visitors.

The revised tariff therefore forms part of the airport’s broader system for regulating vehicle movement and maintaining facilities outside the terminal building.

New charges may affect cab passengers

Although the Rs 50 drop-off fee is formally charged to commercial vehicles, the airport has clarified that the amount will ultimately be passed on to passengers.

For frequent airport users, particularly passengers who depend on commercial cabs for both drop-off and pick-up, the revised charges could add to the overall cost of airport travel.

The impact will depend on how cab operators incorporate the access fee into fares. The new charge is separate from the actual taxi fare and is linked specifically to the vehicle’s access to the airport premises.

The revised system could also influence how drivers plan their movements, particularly during busy periods when traffic around the terminal increases.

Traffic management remains a key concern

Airports have to manage a large number of vehicles within limited terminal-side space. Commercial taxis, private cars, buses and other vehicles compete for access to passenger drop-off and pick-up areas.

Longer vehicle stays can contribute to congestion, particularly when several flights arrive or depart around the same time.

By imposing charges linked to duration and vehicle category, airports can encourage quicker passenger transfers and regulate the use of terminal-side areas.

At Mangaluru International Airport, the new eight-minute period for commercial drop-offs provides a defined window for vehicles to enter, leave passengers and exit the premises. Longer stays attract progressively higher charges.

Airport tariff differs by vehicle category

The airport’s parking structure is not limited to commercial four-wheelers.

Its published tariff includes separate rates for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, private four-wheelers, commercial drop-off and pick-up vehicles, tempos and minibuses, as well as coaches and buses.

This categorisation allows the airport to apply different charges depending on the size and purpose of the vehicle.

For passengers, the distinction is particularly relevant when choosing between private transport and commercial cab services, as the access arrangements and charges differ between the two categories.

What passengers need to know

Passengers travelling through Mangaluru International Airport using commercial cabs should be aware of the revised charges from October 1.

Those being dropped off by a commercial four-wheeler will face a Rs 50 charge for an entry and exit within eight minutes. Passengers using commercial cabs for pick-up will be subject to the revised Rs 200 charge.

Private vehicles remain exempt from the new commercial access fee, although their free access period has been reduced from 10 minutes to eight minutes.

Passengers may therefore need to account for the revised access arrangements when planning airport drop-offs and pick-ups, especially during peak travel periods.

Conclusion

Mangaluru: Mangaluru International Airport has introduced a Rs 50 drop-off fee for commercial cabs and raised the commercial pick-up charge from Rs 180 to Rs 200. The revised tariff came into effect on October 1 and applies to commercial vehicles.

The airport has also introduced duration-based charges for commercial four-wheelers, while private vehicles remain exempt from the commercial access fee. The changes are aimed at managing vehicle movement and supporting the maintenance of airport landside facilities.