By Ilaria Grasso Macola
The row between Heathrow and its airport customers has reached a new high after Shai Weiss, the chief executive of Virgin Atlantic, called out the UK aviation regulator over the airport’s interim price cap.
Weiss has accused the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of “putting the interests of a monopolistic airport and its shareholders ahead of passengers,” after the regulator proposed an interim price cap of £31.57 per passenger for 2023.
“By maintaining a pessimistic outlook for 2023 passenger forecasts, not only do customers face excessive charges but potentially also a poorer airport experience,” the chief executive said on Thursday.
The price the west London hub can charge its airline customers has been at the centre of controversies for over a year.
The interim cap was initially set last December by the CAA at £30.19 to help the airport recover from the pandemic’s disastrous impact on its finances.
Over the last few months airlines have repeatedly accused Heathrow of downplaying its recovery to have a more favourable price cap, as the airport recently regained its status as Europe’s busiest hub.
A spokesperson said Hearhrow was waiting for a final decision, while continuing to believe “in the strong plans we have put for investing in passenger services over the coming year.”
Trade body Airlines UK and the CAA were approached for comment.
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