Airlines call for ‘flat or lower’ charges at Heathrow
Airlines are insisting that Heathrow should not be allowed to increase charges if it is given the go ahead to build a third runway.
Speaking on behalf of 70 carriers, the Board of Airline Representatives in the UK (BAR UK), said it supported the Government’s preferred option of a new northwest runway at London’s premier hub.
However, in its response to the Government’s Draft Airports National Policy Statement, which closd yesterday, it said the selected scheme must be affordable to airlines.
Chief executive of BAR UK Dale Keller said: "Today marks another important milestone in the long process to achieve a bigger, better and more affordable Heathrow.
"BAR UK has called for the NPS to insist upon flat or lower charges in order that the world’s most expensive major hub airport can become more competitive globally.
"Only the right combination of increased capacity, airspace reform, better surface transport connections, and lower charges, will enable airlines to deliver the full economic benefits of expansion in the national interest.
"Airlines also point out the need for the NPS to allow more flexibility during the consultation process in order that overly prescriptive assessment principles, including runway length and terminal location, do not preclude new initiatives put forward by airlines, communities and scheme promoters, that could result in a better final scheme."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025