Airlines operating at Heathrow Airport have made a collective call for urgent and substantial reform of the airport's charging structure as the anticipation of a third runway raises concerns over increasing costs for passengers.

Industry leaders, including executives from British Airways' parent company, International Airlines Group (IAG), and Virgin Atlantic, have urged the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to implement changes that would prevent long-term financial burdens on both airlines and travelers.

In a joint letter to the CAA, the airlines assert that the current model has failed to meaningfully limit the monopoly situation at Heathrow, resulting in increased costs that have fallen on consumers and airlines.

They cited record passenger numbers and ongoing expansion plans as evidence that the existing regulatory framework is inadequate.

Surinder Arora, a hotelier with properties near the airport, and Heathrow AOC—an organization representing airlines using the hub—also supported the appeal for reform.

The letter emphasizes that the anticipated rise in landing charges, necessary to fund expansion efforts, could lock both airlines and passengers into higher costs for decades.

The call for review comes amid discussions on expanding Heathrow, with estimated project costs for the third runway reaching previously projected figures of £14 billion, which are likely to have escalated since first reported in 2014.

The CAA plays a critical role in regulating airport charges, specifically determining the price cap for landing fees incurred by airlines for using Heathrow.

These costs are typically passed down to passengers through increased ticket prices.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently expressed her support for the expansion of Heathrow during a speech focused on economic growth, highlighting the airport's significance in the broader airline industry.

However, a source within the airport indicated plans to suggest a revised regulatory approach for the third runway, while noting the impracticality of expecting new infrastructures, such as runways and terminal facilities, to be funded without impacting passenger charges.

Selina Chadha, the group director for consumers and markets at the CAA, confirmed that a request for a review of Heathrow’s economic regulatory model had been received and pledged to scrutinize it as part of the regulator’s responsibilities.

In her statement, Chadha affirmed the aim of prioritizing consumer interests while also enabling growth, investment, and operational efficiency at the airport.

Heathrow Airport has declined to provide additional comments regarding the letter or the reform requests.