Britain’s aviation regulator has ordered Heathrow airport to lower the costs it charges airlines, citing a robust rebound in demand following the lifting of pandemic lockdowns.

The Civil Aviation Authority stated that the cut “recognizes that passenger volumes are anticipated to recover to pre-pandemic levels, and should result in lower costs for travellers.”

The regulator announced that starting in 2024, the fee paid by airlines per passenger would decrease by almost a fifth to £25.43.

Reacting to the development, Heathrow criticized the move, claiming that it has been badly struck by rising inflation at a time when it has not yet fully recovered from the Covid stoppage in aviation.

“The CAA has chosen to cut airport charges to their lowest real terms level in a decade at a time when airlines are making massive profits and Heathrow remains loss-making because of fewer passengers and higher financing costs,” it said.