Delhi HC Upholds Delhi Airport Exemption from Paying Fees During COVID-19

The Delhi High Court upheld an arbitral award exempting Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) from paying annual fees to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma ruled that force majeure applied due to the severe financial impact on aviation. The court extended DIAL’s operational tenure by two years, rejecting AAI’s claim that the exemption was unjustified.

The tribunal found that DIAL’s losses made fee payment unfeasible, and the court upheld this, emphasizing that financial relief was not just reasonable but necessary for survival during the crisis.