The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2019 has been passed by Rajya Sabha. The bill seeks to amend Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008.

• AERA is a regulator that has powers to set tariffs charged at airports.
• It was established by Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008.
• It is an independent economic regulator for protection of interests of airports, airlines and passengers.

At present as per the Act, AERA is responsible for determining-

• the tariff for aeronautical services at different airports every 5 years
• the development fees of major airports
• the passengers service feet

The Bill seeks to amend definition of major airport as any aerodrome which has or is designated to have annual passenger traffic of over 35 lakh instead of existing 15 lakh. Currently, major airports with an annual capacity to handle 15 Lakh passengers come under purview of AERA.