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British Airways is threatening to stop flying to Heathrow in a row over airport charges.
BA previously flew between Jersey and London Gatwick, but diverted all island flights to Heathrow during the pandemic, and has been flying there ever since. It is currently the only BA route to and from the island.
But that direct link and passengers' onward journeys with BA may now be at risk amid discussions about putting up landing fees at the busy international airport.
Under plans put forward by the Civil Aviation Authority in October, Heathrow’s cap on its average charge per passenger could be lifted, allowing it to rise by up to 76% from its current level of £19.60 to between £24.50 and £34.40. Such fees are usually passed on to the passenger in air fares.
The boss of the BA’s parent company IAG, Luis Gallego, highlighted that Heathrow’s fees are already among the highest in the world and that further increases could reduce demand.
Pictured: British Airways said landing fees were already high, and getting higher. (Stuart Bailey/BA)
Speaking at the Airlines 2021 conference in Westminster, Mr Gallego said: “The reality is that more than 40% of the people who use Heathrow are connecting passengers.
“They are simply passing through on their way to other destinations and could easily go by other, more competitive hubs.
“Hiking charges will not help. It will not attract demand – it will have the opposite effect.
“If the rise in landing charges goes ahead, I know IAG will not be alone in reconsidering our airlines’ use of Heathrow.”
But the airport hit back at the comments, highlighting the quality of the services it offers.
“It’s true that Heathrow is proposing a higher pandemic price increase than continental airports, but we are neither state-owned nor have we received billions in state aid during the crisis – we rely entirely on private investment.
“Heathrow passengers want a reliable, quality experience.
“The higher charge will enable us to deliver key investments in the next five years to protect passenger service.
“Just as Aldi offers great food, plenty of Brits are still very happy to shop at Waitrose and appreciate the value for money they get.”
The CAA proposals are less than the cap Heathrow had called for - £32 to £43 for the five-year period being consulted on.
Under their plans, the exact change will be linked to passenger demand and commercial revenue, and landing fees will be able to rise if the airport is struggling.
An interim cap of £30 is planned to be introduced on 1 January.
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