United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
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.
Related News Stories:
Ray Monty
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled