Amex GBT latest to hit out at Heathrow fee hike
American Express Global Business Travel has added its voice to the growing discontent aimed at Heathrow’s planned hike in fees.
Amex GBT Chief commercial officer Andrew Crawley slammed the airport, saying the 117% increase in charges at Heathrow ‘could not be more poorly timed.’
“We appear to be on the verge of adding additional challenges, just when the travel industry has got back to its knees.”
“Our customers do not want to be further penalised by the cost of grossly inflated airport fees that will inevitably be passed on to them,” Crawley said.
“We urge the CAA to challenge Heathrow Airport to recoup its pandemic losses by operating more efficiently rather than plundering the airlines and gouging our customers.”
His comments echoed those of IATA, Virgin Atlantic and IAG which strongly criticised Heathrow.
Shai Weiss, CEO, Virgin Atlantic said: “Heathrow is abusing its monopoly position to fleece passengers.”
Heathrow chairman responded by defending the inflation-busting fee hikes.
“We will deliver what passengers want for the equivalent of less than a 2% increase in average ticket prices,” he said.
“A higher airport charge would deliver clear benefits for passengers but reduce airline profit margins slightly, and that is why they are arguing against it.”
“The CAA will decide what is best from passengers.”
The CAA is expected to publish its final proposals for the price control on overall airport charges next month.
Ray Monty
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