Heathrow slams regulator plans to ‘take UK backwards’ by slashing investment
Heathrow has issued a scathing rebuttal of the regulator’s plans to crack down on the airport’s spending and expansion, warning that this risks “taking the UK backwards”.
The UK’s largest airport said that the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) “proposed cuts to our investment plans risk taking the UK backwards and weakening our competitiveness”.
The CAA is considering forcing Heathrow to allow rival firms to build its third runway and terminal and weighing up tighter controls over the airport’s spending. But Heathrow has hit back at these proposals, warning its reputation as one of the world’s best and most punctual airports is “built on private investment”.
“We support reform that boosts efficiency, cuts red tape and keeps investment flowing, but not proposals which will undermine our efforts to improve the airport for consumers or delay the economic growth the country needs,” it said.
Regulator could ‘undermine’ economic growth
Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow’s chief executive, said its plans for a privately-funded expansion are “the only ones that can unlock new capacity and long-term benefits for passengers and the UK”.
The CAA’s proposals could allow a rival firm to lead Heathrow’s expansion and directly compete with Heathrow Airport Limited in providing services to airlines at the expanded site.
Hotel tycoon Surinder Arora, who has tabled a rival bid for Heathrow’s third runway, has welcomed the proposals, which he said meant competition for the development is “alive and kicking”.
But Woldbye said on Thursday: “Heathrow has kept Britain connected for 80 years – but today we’re operating at capacity. Demand for travel and trade is strong, and passengers want more choice, better connections and good value.
“But both short and long-term growth of the UK’s only hub airport is at risk if the CAA delays necessary investment.”
Middle East passengers fall 30 per cent
Heathrow revealed on Wednesday that its passenger numbers fell by more than one per cent year on year in May, despite recording its busiest day ever.
The airport saw a 31 per cent drop in air passengers from the Middle East, down to 450,000 in May, as the Iran war continues to wreak havoc on global travel.
In April, Heathrow warned that it is full, with its current capacity resulting in “fewer choices and higher fares for passengers and missed opportunities for the UK economy”.
The airport hosted 18.9 million passengers in the first quarter of this year, a 3.7 per cent year-on-year rise, as revenue jumped 2.3 per cent to £844m.
The CAA has been contacted for comment.