Heathrow cuts charges

Airlines are under pressure to reduce fares to UK destinations after Heathrow cut domestic passenger charges by £10 in a move to promote growth outside London. The new charge is £19.10 per passenger, more than a third cheaper than last year and the largest discount the airport has made.

Heathrow said the cut fulfilled a pledge in its expansion manifesto to make the airport work harder for families throughout Britain. It is proposing the discount lasts until 2037 “as long as it is in the public interest and there is a justification”. 

The move coincides with a decision by Flybe to start operations from Heathrow in March for the first time with 40 new weekly flights to Edinburgh and Aberdeen (see story this issue). 

Heathrow said the Flybe move would increase competition and choice for UK families and businesses, while the charges decision also reduced pressure on airlines operating existing domestic services by making the routes more commercially attractive.

Airport CEO John Holland-Kaye said: “Heathrow promised last year to do more to help Britain’s economy grow stronger. I’m delighted we’re able to come good on that promise with our new £10 domestic discount.”

www.heathrow.com

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