Airport regulatory authority introduced

New Delhi, Sep 5: The government today introduced in the Lok Sabha a Bill for setting up a regulatory authority for civil airports and an Appellate Tribunal in the light of growing privatisation of airports.

The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Bill, 2007 was introduced by Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel amid pandemonium arising from an Opposition protest against the setting up of a UPA-Left panel on the Indo-US nuclear deal.

The regulatory authority would ensure a level playing field for airport operators in the public and private sectors to foster healthy competition and encourage investment and regulate tariffs for aeronautical services.

The tribunal, which would have a Chairperson and not more than two Members to be appointed by the Centre, would adjudicate disputes relating to airport maintenance.

At present, the Airports Authority of India performs the role of airport operator as well as the regulatory which results in conflict of interest.

The government move comes in the wake of the report of the Naresh Chandra Committee, which had been set up by the Centre to prepare the roadmap for the civil aviation sector.

UNI