Fears Heathrow’s move to raise airport fees by ‘excessive’ 17% will push up fares

The airport said the average landing charge over the next five-year period would increase to about £33.26 per passenger, up from the current £28.46. Photograph: NurPhoto/Getty Images

Heathrow is seeking to raise the landing fees it charges airlines by 17% as part of a plan to invest £10bn into Europe’s busiest airport, in a move airlines say will push up air fares for travellers.

The airport operator has made a submission to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to increase the fees, saying the rise would fund a plan to increase annual passenger capacity to 92 million and expand terminal space for new lounges, shops and restaurants.