If you’re planning to book an Ola or Uber from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, be prepared for a shock when you see the fare. The cost of taking an app-based cab from the airport has jumped by about 40%. The reason? A sharp hike in the airport pickup fee, which now stands at a hefty ₹289. This extra charge is automatically added to your cab fare, making every ride from the airport significantly more expensive than before.
What’s Behind the Price Hike?
The increase comes from Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the company that manages IGI Airport. They have raised the pickup fee to ₹245 plus 18% GST, which totals ₹289. This fee applies to all app-based cabs-so whether you book an Ola or an Uber from any of the airport’s three terminals, you’ll have to pay this extra amount.
Earlier, the pickup fee was ₹173. The new fee is a steep jump, and it’s now among the highest airport pickup charges in India. Around 400,000 cab trips are made from IGI Airport every month, and nearly 70% of all commercial vehicles leaving the airport are app-based cabs. That means a huge number of travelers are now feeling the pinch.
Where Does the Money Go?
It’s important to know that this extra fee doesn’t go to the cab drivers or the companies like Ola and Uber. Instead, the entire amount is collected by the airport operator. This fee is part of the airport’s non-aeronautical revenue, and it doesn’t require approval from any government regulator.
So, even though you’re paying a lot more, the drivers don’t earn anything extra from this hike. The cab companies also don’t keep this money. It’s simply passed on to the airport as a “collection fee.”
No Extra Services for Passengers
One of the biggest complaints from travellers is that, despite the sharp increase in charges, there haven’t been any improvements in passenger services at the airport. People are paying more, but they’re not getting anything new or better in return. This has led to a lot of frustration, especially among frequent flyers and business travelers who rely on app-based cabs for convenience.
The timing of this hike is also important. Recently, BluSmart, an electric cab service, suspended its operations at the airport. With BluSmart out of the picture, even more people are booking Ola and Uber rides. This means the impact of the fee hike is even greater, as more passengers are forced to pay the new, higher charge.
How Does Delhi Compare to Other Cities?
Delhi’s IGI Airport now has one of the highest cab pickup fees in the country. For comparison, Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport charges between ₹215 and ₹260 per ride for app-based cabs. Delhi’s new fee of ₹289 is higher than that, making it the costliest for many travelers.
In some cases, when you add up the pickup fee and the toll tax, these extra charges can make up about half of your total cab fare from the airport. That’s a huge portion of the cost, especially for shorter trips within the city.
What Do Ola and Uber Say?
Both Ola and Uber have made it clear that they haven’t increased their base fares. The only reason your ride is more expensive is because of the new airport pickup fee. So, when you see a higher bill after your next airport ride, remember that it’s the airport operator, not the cab company or the driver, who is getting the extra money.
What Should Travelers Do?
If you’re flying into or out of Delhi and planning to book an Ola or Uber, it’s a good idea to check the fare breakdown before confirming your ride. Be prepared to pay ₹289 extra just for the privilege of being picked up at the airport. If you’re traveling on a budget, you might want to consider other options like airport buses, metro, or traditional taxis, though these come with their own pros and cons.
Delhi’s airport pickup fee hike is a big change for anyone who relies on app-based cabs. With no sign of improved services and no benefit to drivers, it’s a move that’s left many travelers frustrated-and out of pocket.
