Losses caused by the pandemic on air transport in Great Britain are forcing London Heathrow Airport Authority to attack travellers' wallets.
On Sunday 28 February, the airport authority announced that departing passengers would henceforth have to check in atpay a supplement of £8.90 (10,30 €). This measurethat the airport wants temporaryThis would absorb some of the operator's costs. It should be in place for the rest of the year.. The decision was taken in consultation with the airlines. The industry as a whole believes that this is the best way for Heathrow to recover its costs.
The tax has been authorised by the UK aviation regulator. A protocol allows the costs of public services, baggage and check-in services to be covered by additional charges. These services were heavily in deficit in 2020.
Heathrow has been hit hard financially by the virtual disappearance of long-haul routes, the most profitable segment of its business. Last year, the London platform lost two billion pounds..
The Civil Aviation Authority will examine separately whether Heathrow could be allowed to increase airline charges. As a result, passenger tax could increase by 1.20 pounds per passenger.
