Heathrow Airport has received approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to recover up to £320 million in costs associated with the early planning and design phases of its proposed third runway. This financial recovery will be facilitated through increased charges levied on airlines, which are expected to translate into higher ticket prices for passengers.
According to the regulator, the adjustment will likely add 15p to individual ticket prices starting in 2028, with that figure projected to climb to 30p in subsequent years. Additionally, the airport is permitted to recoup £4.1 million in costs incurred by the Arora Group, which had previously submitted an unsuccessful rival design known as Heathrow West.
Tim Johnson, the CAA’s director of consumers and markets, stated that the decision aims to balance the need for timely progress on the expansion with the necessity of protecting consumers from excessive financial burdens. To mitigate concerns, the regulator plans to implement safeguards, including independent expert assurance and strict transparency requirements regarding cost reporting.
The move has drawn criticism from consumer advocates. Rory Boland of Which? Travel described the additional fees as "unwelcome," noting that Heathrow already maintains some of the highest airport charges globally. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Heathrow defended the expansion, asserting that a third runway would ultimately provide an economic boost and offer passengers more choice and affordability.
While the government has expressed a preference for Heathrow's £33 billion expansion scheme, the project remains a subject of long-standing debate. Opponents, including local residents and climate activists, continue to raise concerns regarding potential increases in noise and air pollution, as well as the project's impact on national climate commitments. The government is aiming for a formal planning decision by 2029.
Source: BBC News
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