Objection to BAA's Gatwick charges from easyJet

Low-cost carrier easyJet has told BAA that it is withholding part of a 21 per cent passenger charge increase at London Gatwick pending the outcome of a legal challenge.

In a strong objection to the increased passenger charges that came into effect from April 1st 2008, easyJet has stated its intention of lodging a judicial review of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) decision to allow the charges.

Chief executive Andy Harrison has written to BAA, stating: "We are determined to address a regulatory decision which we consider to be unlawful and damaging for the airlines, our passengers and the industry as a whole."

Over the next five years, CAA is to allow charges at Gatwick to increase by 49 per cent from £5.61 to £8.36.

At London's other airports the news is also bad for consumers, with Heathrow charges to rise by 86 per cent from £10.36 to £19.31 and charges at Stansted to double over the next five years.