Virgin Atlantic and easyJet have warned the public that costs will rise following the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) decision to allow Heathrow and Gatwick to increase their airport fees. Even though the CAA denied Heathrow permission to raise fees above the rate of inflation, the price rise will still add up to £28 per passenger per flight.
Virgin Atlantic said: “The decision to further increase charges at the airport for the next five years is another hammer blow for both UK consumers and overseas visitors wanting to travel to this country.” He added: "Prices at Heathrow are already triple the level they were 10 years ago and coupled with ever increasing air passenger duty, passengers are facing some of the highest charges in the world and this is deterring inbound tourism and foreign investment."
"We are totally committed to improving the passenger experience at Heathrow, which is already one of the best-performing European hubs. "However, we believe this is fully achievable with a far greater real terms reduction in charges. In the current climate most businesses have to deliver the same level of service more efficiently and airports should not be exempt from this economic reality.
EasyJet chief executive Carolyn McCall described the CAA announcement as "bad news for the UK's international competitiveness" and that she was disappointed with the proposed increase at Gatwick "as this is based on the airport's proposals and ignores those of the airlines who gave evidence to support a lowering in charges, which would have led to a reduction in fares paid by passengers".
She added: "Passengers could be paying £28 more per flight for years in advance of the opening of a new £9 billion runway without any real oversight by the CAA