Airlines UK said an interim increase in charges to use the airport had seen fees skyrocket in January from an average £19.36 to £30.19. The CAA permitted the increase in passenger and other fees in December and is now deciding what charges to allow Heathrow to set for the next five years.
In 2021 proposals to increase charges by 90% were rejected by the CAA, with the regulator permitting a 56% rise in the short-term.
Airlines UK said: “This means airline customers are putting yet more money in Heathrow shareholders’ pockets – adding to the £4.1 billion dividends paid out between 2012 and 2020.
“While overall household budgets also face inflationary pressures and the Bank of England expects the rate of inflation to reach 7% by Spring 2022, the 56% increase in Heathrow charges is an avoidable added cost for passengers, unlike rising fuel prices or factors outside the control of businesses and regulators.”
Tim Alderslade, Airlines UK chief executive, added: “The CAA has an opportunity to step in and protect UK consumers by rolling back the interim Heathrow airport charges to a more affordable level.”
Heathrow, which is 90% owned by private foreign companies, argues it needs the increase to make up some of the billions lost during the pandemic.
US pressure group Airlines for America said the increase in fees compared to 2021 meant a family of four flying from London to Delhi paid around £286 more, while two adults travelling from Glasgow to Hong Kong via Heathrow paid an extra £198.
Nick Calio, Airlines for America chief executive, said: “We are disappointed with the extreme increase in charges at London’s Heathrow Airport for the coming year, which is already one of the world’s most expensive airports.
"We encourage the CAA to take action to prevent even further increases over the next five-year period, which is currently under review.”
