The aviation regulator has ruled that Heathrow can increase its aircraft take-off and landing charges by more than a half, in a judgment that has managed to upset the airport operator and its airline customers.
After months of arguments between Heathrow and its airlines led by British Airways — fanned by interjections from BA’s former boss Willie Walsh, who is now director-general of the International Air Transport Association — the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said Heathrow would be able to charge £30.19 per passenger from the new year. That is 56 per cent higher than the existing charge of £19.36 but lower than the sum Heathrow was seeking.
Walsh immediately intervened again, demanding that Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, rein in the independent regulator.
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