The UK s aviation regulator is opposing Heathrow's bid to sharply increase passenger charges, as the country's largest airport tried to recover from the economic shock of the pandemic.
The Civil Aviation Authority has proposed this morning that Heathrow could increase its price per passenger between 24.50 and 34.40 in the next five years.
The range is planned to come into effect in summer 2022, with an interim cap of 30 introduced at the beginning of the year.
The charge was set at 22 to become a significant increase - which will ultimately be paid by passengers as airlines add the cost to the ticket price.
But Heathrow has been pushing for the cap of 32 and 43 in a bid to rebound from the dip in revenues during Pandemic.
That move was also challenged by airlines who didn t want to pay higher airline tickets to cover higher airport charges, as they just try to recover from Covid - 19.
The CAA said its proposals struck the right balance between consumer interests and airport. They will be finalised next year.
While international air travel is still recovering, setting a price control for Heathrow Airport against the backdrop of so much uncertainty means we have had to adapt our approach. Our principal objective is to ensure the interests of consumers whilst recognising the challenges faced by the industry during the Covid - 19 pandemic. These initial proposals seek to protect consumers against unfair charges and will allow Heathrow to continue to invest in keeping the airport resilient, efficient and one that provides a good experience for passengers.