Austin-Bergstrom proposes landing fees for private and light aircraft

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport plans to charge noncommercial aircraft new fees, possibly starting Oct. 1, to help fund a multibillion-dollar expansion and renovation.

Under the proposal, noncommercial aircraft would pay $50 to land, doubling to $100 during major events. That includes Formula 1, NASCAR, South by Southwest and University of Texas football weekends. City officials expect hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional airport revenue, according to the Austin Current.

The landing fee would apply to aircraft under 12,500 pounds, which takes in many light general aviation planes. Hangar rental rates for smaller aircraft would rise 3%. The fuel flowage fee would go to 12 cents per gallon, then climb 2 cents a year for five years, reaching 20 cents. It has not been settled whether the fuel increase covers commercial aircraft as well as noncommercial.

General aviation advocates say the policy would affect recreational pilots, flight students and business aircraft operators. Tom Chandler, a regional manager for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, told the Austin Current that many GA pilots pay their operating costs themselves rather than billing customers. Flight training is another concern: students must complete takeoffs and landings at controlled airports, and a landing fee each time would raise the price of a private pilot certificate.

The Austin City Council approved a resolution on the matter.