Fury over airport charges


26 May 2007 09:32

An airline industry watchdog has criticised regional airports, including Norwich International, for charging twice for services by introducing extra passenger fees.

The Air Transport Users' Council said growing numbers of airports were charging fees to cover development and security on top of their ticket prices.

Norwich International introduced a charge for passengers flying from its terminal earlier this year to fund part of an £18m airport expansion plan. It charges adults £3 and children aged two to 15 £1.

The move angered some passengers, including Colin Taylor, from Braydeston Crescent, Brundall, who set up a petition at 10 Downing Street in opposition. He said he was worried the fee could be increased next year to £5 and £10 the year after. The petition has so far collected 96 signatures.

The introduction of the fees also angered budget airline Flybe, which protested to the owners, Omniport, and First Choice protested to the Civil Aviation Authority.

However, when it was introduced at the airport in April, there were some supporters of the levy among travellers, including Mike Rusted, from Thorpe St Andrew, and taxi driver Bob Webb, from Brundall.

Richard Jenner, airport managing director, said: “We are not charging twice for services. We have put on a charge to contribute to the development of the airport.”

The £3 levy is payable either before or after check-in with pink tickets issued that are read by an automated barrier gate at the departure lounge.

Any passenger who booked before March 12 will be refunded, though they have to pay on departure and apply for the refund in writing.

Airport Development Fees (ADF) have also been introduced at Newquay Cornwall Airport, where all passengers over the age of 16 have been charged £5 since 2005. Liverpool John Lennon Airport is also due to trial a fee for passengers who want to be fast-tracked through security.

To see the petition, go to http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/ NorwichADF

Do you think passengers should have to pay the levy? Write to Evening News Letters, Prospect House, Rouen Road Norwich NR1 1RE or email eveningnewsletters@archant. co.uk or log on to eveningnews24.co.uk/forums

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