Airlines have reacted angrily to Heathrow Airport’s plans to raise passenger charges as part of its investment plan to handle an extra 10m passengers per year by 2031. Heathrow wants to set passenger charges at an average of £33.26 between 2027-2031, compared with what it claims is an average of £28.46 between 2022-2026, although this figure is rejected by airlines. A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said Heathrow is already the most expensive airport in the world and this proposal demonstrates Heathrow’s inability to invest capital wisely and efficiently. Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said the airport must invest to compete with global hubs. Heathrow is Europe’s busiest airport, with more than 83.9m passengers travelling through its terminals in 2024. The airport has just experienced its busiest May on record. Heathrow Airport Limited’s 2027-2031 £10bn business proposal was submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority, which determines the cap on per-passenger landing charges that airlines must pay to Heathrow. Airlines pass on the cost of these to passengers through fares. The plan would create new space within existing terminals equivalent to 10 football pitches, enabling new lounges, restaurants and shops to be built. It would also result in faster security and baggage handling, according to the airport. The airport is seeking to demolish the building previously used as Terminal 1, extend Terminal 2, and build a new southern access road tunnel. Once complete, the project would enable Heathrow to increase its passenger capacity by 12%, equivalent to 10 million more travellers annually. A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said the £10bn investment plan represents poor value for money and that Heathrow’s proposal to increase passenger charges by 28% in 2027 compared to today is unacceptable. IAG, which owns British Airways, said HAL’s plan requires significant revision and that the proposed 25% increase in charges is excessive. Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said the airport is making good progress on its strategy to become an extraordinary airport.
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