British Airways owner warns it could cut Heathrow flights over higher charges

British Airways could move flights away from Heathrow if the airport is allowed to increase charges by 50%, the airline’s owner has warned. The IAG CE, Luis Gallego said it “would not be alone” in taking its business elsewhere, undermining the global competitiveness of the UK. IAG, which also owns Aer Lingus and Iberia, is the biggest operator at the London hub and has led objections to proposed increases in landing charges. The price for each passenger could rise by up to 56% by 2023, from GBP22 to 34.50, under a decision by the CAA, the aviation regulator, which airlines say would be passed on in higher fares. Gallego said Heathrow was currently a big advantage for a “Global Britain”, but was already significantly more expensive than European competitors. He said: “Heathrow’s leading position is not inevitable. The reality is more than 40% of the people who use Heathrow are connecting passengers … and could easily go via other, more competitive hubs.” He added: “If the rise in landing charges goes ahead I know IAG would not be alone in reconsidering our airlines’ use of Heathrow.” Willie Walsh, the director general of the global airline body Iata and a former IAG boss, later told the conference that the regulator was allowing Heathrow to “shoot everyone in the foot” as the UK aviation sector started to recover from Covid restrictions. Walsh said: “By pushing up the charges to such a high level you’re actually pushing people away from Heathrow, which will undermine significantly the recovery of the industry in the UK.” Story has more.<br/>