Published Oct 06, 2026 | 11:30 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 06, 2026 | 11:30 AM
Thiruvananthapuram Airport. (Wikimedia)
The Youth Congress launched a protest at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Tuesday, 6 October morning against the sharp increase in parking charges introduced from October 1.
The revised tariff issued by Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Ltd (TIAL) has drawn opposition from airport employees, taxi operators and trade unions, particularly over the new employee parking fee of ₹300 a month for two-wheelers.
Two-wheelers now cost ₹50 for up to 30 minutes and ₹100 for an hour. Private four-wheelers remain free for up to eight minutes, but cost ₹150 for 30 minutes and ₹200 for an hour.
The special flat rates for longer parking are ₹300 for two-wheelers, ₹500 for three-wheelers and ₹1,000 for four-wheelers.
Under the revised tariff, autorickshaws are charged ₹50 for up to eight minutes, ₹80 for 30 minutes and ₹100 for an hour. Commercial four-wheelers pay ₹50 for departure/drop-off up to eight minutes, ₹200 for 30 minutes and ₹300 for an hour.
For arrival/pick-up, the charge is ₹180 for up to 30 minutes and ₹300 for an hour.
Tempo travellers, minibuses and caravans are charged ₹600 for up to eight minutes, ₹800 for 30 minutes and ₹1,000 for an hour.
CITU district joint general secretary Sreeju S.V said employees, especially contract workers, would face an additional financial burden. Trade unions have decided to oppose the fee and said they would refuse to pay it.
Airport authorities have given workers 10 days to comply.
Around 3,000 workers could be affected and that joint protests would be organised. Taxi operators have also opposed the revised charges.
TIAL said the Airport Access Charge for commercial vehicles was introduced in line with practices at some other airports. The airport operator said the charges would help meet expenses related to security, electricity, infrastructure maintenance, traffic management and facilities for passengers, drivers and visitors.
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(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)
