The massive increase in airport charges has made it more difficult for airlines to operate at the Delhi airport, and thus British Airways (BA) is reviewing its India operations strategy, a top BA official said.

Christopher Fordyce, regional commercial manager for South Asia business of BA, in the wake of 334 per cent increase in charges at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport may prompt other domestic airports to increase charges.

On April 24 this year, the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) permitted the Delhi International Airport Ltd. to increase charges at IGI Airport for landing, parking, housing, fuel, and aeronautical charges by 345 per cent for coming two years.

He acknowledged that airport development is important, but it should be kept in mind that high airport charges would affect passengers, and would be detrimental to the growth of the airline sector.

Speaking on the topic, he added, "Keeping the hike in charges in mind, we are revisiting our strategy and assessing route profitability."

BA is not the only international airline that has expressed displeasure against the massive increase in airport charges.

Tony Tyler, the chief executive of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), said earlier that Indian airports are becoming more and more expensive.

The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) also protested against the increase in airport charges, arguing that the increase would lead to a fall in tourist arrivals, which would eventually have an adverse impact on trade & tourism.