New Delhi, Oct 16 (IANS): The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has issued a stern warning to airport operators regarding the imposition of unauthorised tariffs on passengers.

This directive follows AERA's observation of a handful of major airport operators charging fees for aeronautical services without obtaining the required regulatory approvals.

"Recently, it has been brought to the notice of AERA that few Airport Operators (of Major Airports) have been levying some charges for aeronautical services without seeking/taking the requisite regulatory approval, resorting to unethical practices of charging unapproved tariffs from the end users," read the order dated October 13.

"It is hereby informed that Airport Operators are not permitted/entitled to levy and collect unapproved charges/tariff rates, and, airport users/passengers should not pay for it, and, if so, this would be a gross violation of the provisions of AERA Act 2008 and the guidelines made thereunder," it stated.

"Tariff for providing service (s) at a Major Airport, for which aeronautical assets are being used, shall be determined by AERA in accordance with the prescribed guidelines/procedures. In case of any concerns, Stakeholders including airlines, in this regard, may approach AERA," it further stated.

"In the above backdrop, all Airport Operators are hereby directed to follow the statutory practice of timely filing Multi Year Tariff Proposal before AERA for seeking necessary regulatory approval of tariff, and refrain from levying any charges on such aeronautical services for which charges have not been approved by AERA," it directed.