9 February 2011
Airlines operating between Guernsey and Gatwick airports are joining forces to oppose an increase in landing fees at the London airport. Guernsey airline, Aurigny, said the extra £400,000 in costs would see fares on the route increase by £2 from 1 April 2011. Malcolm Hart, Managing Director, said Gatwick’s action was squeezing out smaller airlines. The airport operator said the overall rise of 6% in fees was competitively priced and would only apply during the summer. Mr Hart said he was joining with Flybe, the Devon-based airline that also operates the route, to fight the increase.
A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport Ltd stated that with demand for air transport set to increase, coupled with a block on runway expansion in the South East, the operator must look at how best to make the most efficient use of a single runway. They said there would be no increase to fees for departing passengers and the aim was to encourage greater all-year round use of the runway. The spokesperson said extra fees would help to fund the £1 billion improvement works programme the operator is currently undertaking.