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Heathrow passengers face fare rises under plans to increase landing fees Heathrow passengers face fare rises under plans to increase landing fees
(7 months later)
Passengers using Heathrow airport face fare increases over the next six years under plans to charge carriers higher landing fees.Passengers using Heathrow airport face fare increases over the next six years under plans to charge carriers higher landing fees.
The UK's largest airport is pushing for a 40% rise in charges by 2019 as it seeks to recoup a £3bn investment in the site, including the completion of Terminal 2 and taxiways for the A380 superjumbo.The UK's largest airport is pushing for a 40% rise in charges by 2019 as it seeks to recoup a £3bn investment in the site, including the completion of Terminal 2 and taxiways for the A380 superjumbo.
British Airways, Heathrow's largest airline, said fees were too expensive already, having tripled over the past decade. "The charges must be reduced significantly over the coming years, especially when the airport is cutting investment by around 25% from next year onwards," said BA, citing a reduction in investment from £4bn in 2009-14 to £3bn for 2014-2019.British Airways, Heathrow's largest airline, said fees were too expensive already, having tripled over the past decade. "The charges must be reduced significantly over the coming years, especially when the airport is cutting investment by around 25% from next year onwards," said BA, citing a reduction in investment from £4bn in 2009-14 to £3bn for 2014-2019.
Virgin Atlantic, another major Heathrow carrier, backed BA's call for a reduction in landing fees over the next five years.Virgin Atlantic, another major Heathrow carrier, backed BA's call for a reduction in landing fees over the next five years.
Heathrow's proposed annual price rises of 5.9% above inflation will mean charges increasing from an average £19.33 per passenger to £27.30 in real terms, which accounts for inflation, by 2019.Heathrow's proposed annual price rises of 5.9% above inflation will mean charges increasing from an average £19.33 per passenger to £27.30 in real terms, which accounts for inflation, by 2019.
The plans will need regulatory approval from the Civil Aviation Authority, the industry regulator, which sets the maximum charges for Heathrow every five years. It will give a final ruling next January.The plans will need regulatory approval from the Civil Aviation Authority, the industry regulator, which sets the maximum charges for Heathrow every five years. It will give a final ruling next January.
The London airport has spent £11bn on renovation work since 2003, after years of chronic under-investment left its facilities and reputation languishing. But airlines waging a perennial battle to break even – a common problem for carriers operating out of Heathrow – are likely to resist a fees hike.The London airport has spent £11bn on renovation work since 2003, after years of chronic under-investment left its facilities and reputation languishing. But airlines waging a perennial battle to break even – a common problem for carriers operating out of Heathrow – are likely to resist a fees hike.
Colin Matthews, chief executive of Heathrow, said: "Heathrow is the UK's only hub airport and a strategically important national infrastructure asset. Heathrow faces stiff competition from other European hubs and we must continue to improve the service we offers passengers and airlines. The plan represents good value for money for airlines and passengers and comes at no cost to taxpayers."Colin Matthews, chief executive of Heathrow, said: "Heathrow is the UK's only hub airport and a strategically important national infrastructure asset. Heathrow faces stiff competition from other European hubs and we must continue to improve the service we offers passengers and airlines. The plan represents good value for money for airlines and passengers and comes at no cost to taxpayers."
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