Heathrow’s third runway ‘is going to be empty’ if it means high fees, says BA owner

BA operates about half of all Heathrow flights, with its IAG sister airlines Aer Lingus, Iberia and Vueling also flying from the London hub. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters

Heathrow’s third runway “is going to be empty” if high charges are levied on airlines and passengers to foot the bill, the airport’s biggest customer has warned.

British Airways’ owner, International Airlines Group (IAG), said the price paid per passenger could double under plans revealed on Thursday by Heathrow to invest almost £50bn in expansion and upgrades, including a £21bn third runway and new terminals.