Passengers irked by additional ₹100 cash penalty at Ahmedabad airport parking

A revised parking policy at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has sparked controversy after the airport authority introduced an additional ₹100 charge for passengers who pay parking fees in cash.

Under the new system, introduced by the airport authority to encourage digital payments, motorists who choose to pay parking fees in cash are required to pay an extra ₹100 over and above the standard parking charge.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from travellers and their families, many of whom have described the additional levy as unfair. Passengers dropping relatives off for international flights often rely on private vehicles due to excess baggage, making them particularly affected by the revised rules.

Under the earlier system, parking charges stood at ₹50 for 30 minutes and ₹80 for one hour. However, under the new policy, a motorist parking for half an hour and paying in cash must now pay a total of ₹150, while a one-hour stay attracts a cash payment of ₹180—more than double the regular fee.

Passengers have also raised concerns over other stringent measures at the airport. A fine of ₹500 is imposed if a parking coupon or ticket is lost, a rule that travellers say adds to their inconvenience.

Disputes over parking facilities and charges have surfaced repeatedly at Ahmedabad airport. Passengers allege that the airport operator is prioritising revenue generation over public convenience. The additional ₹100 “cash handling charge” has triggered debates on social media and within the airport premises, with travellers demanding that the rule be withdrawn.