The airport’s owners submitted their £49bn expansion plan to the Government this week, including a scheme to build over a section of the M25, which will be rerouted.
However, some airlines – despite backing a third runway – have expressed fears that Heathrow will raise its landing charges to pay for the huge construction project.
Heathrow has denied that any increases to landing fees would result in higher fares for consumers, arguing that more choice in the market will drive costs down due to heightened competition for airlines.
Heathrow’s chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, has suggested that the fees will have to go higher still, saying he hopes to keep them “below £50” per passenger.
“Anything close to £50 per passenger would be incredibly high, compared to the £28 airlines passengers are paying today.”
Heathrow wants to build 3,500m third runway to boost capacity (Photo: Alishia Abodunde/Getty)Gordon Smith, airlines editor at Skift, said higher airport charges would “almost certainly translate into higher fares, as airlines build those costs into ticket prices”.
Heathrow’s chief executive claimed such a move did not need to translate into higher air fares for travellers.
The west London airport’s owners argue that expansion in the range of flights offered will boost competition and ultimately bring down air fares in the long term.
When the airline added air passenger duty tax levied by the Government, it could take long-haul flight passengers’ fees to more than £100, Doyle said.
BA’s owner, International Airlines Group (IAG), has also warned that higher landing fees would threaten the economic viability of the third runway.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said “expansion cannot come at any cost”, warning that it may be “ultimately paid for by consumers and airlines through higher charges”.
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Other airlines are more positive about the expansion plan. The short-haul carrier EasyJet – which does not currently use Heathrow – said a third runway was a chance to “operate from the airport at scale for the first time and bring with it lower fares for consumers”.
Lavelle said it was a “good thing” for passengers that they will get “more choice, more routes and destinations”. But the aviation expert warned: “The landing charges mean it will come at some cost.”
The hotel tycoon’s company has proposed £25bn plan for a shorter third runway, which could avoid the need to divert and build over the M25.
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Industry sources said the Government could, in theory, ask Heathrow to look at a shorter runway if it wanted to minimise construction time and disruption.
Smith said: “Heathrow could ultimately opt for a slightly shorter third runway, but they’ll want to keep it long enough to handle a broad range of aircraft.
Climate change campaigners and residents’ groups around Heathrow remain firmly opposed to a third runway because of the “severe impact” on noise, air pollution and increased emissions.
On Friday, the Chancellor said it was “essential” for the UK to increase its airport capacity, arguing it would create jobs and opportunities for businesses.
Heathrow has been approached for further comment on airlines’ claims about landing fees.
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