UK Regulator Proposes Cap on Heathrow Passenger Charges for 2027–2031

The Civil Aviation Authority has proposed a cap on passenger charges at Heathrow Airport, setting fees between £27.20 and £30.50 per passenger for the 2027–2031 regulatory period. Announced on Tuesday, the move is part of efforts to ensure pricing remains fair for travelers while still supporting essential infrastructure investment at Europe’s busiest airport.

The regulator emphasized that its initial proposal seeks to balance affordability with long-term development goals. However, Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye cautioned that the cap could lead to difficult trade-offs, potentially affecting service quality and delaying key projects if financial flexibility is restricted.

Heathrow, which expects to serve around 85 million passengers this year, is simultaneously advancing a £33 billion expansion plan that includes building a new runway—one of the UK’s most debated infrastructure projects aimed at boosting economic growth. The CAA will release its final proposals in November 2026, with a definitive decision scheduled for April 2027, separate from ongoing efforts to expand the airport’s capacity.

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