The Advantage Travel Partnership and Business Travel Association are among four trade bodies to join a campaign calling for a review of Heathrow regulation amid government backing for a third runway.
The World Travel & Tourism Council and the Board of Airline Representatives in the UK (Bar UK) have also been recruited to the Heathrow Reimagined lobby.
The group was formed last month by British Airways owner IAG, Virgin Atlantic, the Heathrow Airlines Operator’s’ Committee and Arora Group, who submitted the case for change to the Civil Aviation Authority urging a review before investment in expansion, without delaying a third runway. American Airlines Iata have since joined the campaign.
A Heathrow Reimagined spokesperson said: “Despite spending £15 billion in the last 20 years, Heathrow airport continues to operate some of the world’s oldest terminals, thanks to a regulatory system that encourages inefficient spend and fails to provide value for money to passengers.
“Instead of being a source of national pride, Heathrow, Britain’s only hub airport, has dropped out of the Skytrax Top 20 for passenger experience.
“These leading travel associations represent the voice of business and leisure passengers alike, as well as our vibrant industries.
“Their support for the Heathrow Reimagined campaign sends a clear message to the Civil Aviation Authority that the time to act is now.
“An urgent review is essential to ensure the right framework is in place before passengers and airlines are locked into high charges for decades to come.”
Advantage chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said said: “Heathrow is the most expensive airport in the world but it certainly does not offer the best passenger experience in return.
“As we continue to see a cost of living crisis in the UK, passengers shouldn’t be paying a penny more than is necessary.
“We would welcome regulatory intervention so we can better understand why our customers pay so much more to use Heathrow than any other airport globally. This is more important now than ever, as the costs associated with a third runway could potentially extrapolate these high charges even further.”
BTA chief executive Clive Wratten said: “We need a clear and fair cost strategy that protects all travellers, especially those travelling for business and are already balancing increased operational overheads.
“The BTA looks forward to working with the industry as part of this Heathrow Reimagined campaign to ensure that the airport’s expansion and regulatory reform strengthens the UK’s global connectivity without creating unnecessary financial burdens for the businesses who rely on it.”
WTTC president and chief executive Julia Simpson said that it is clear that the UK is at a “critical juncture”.
She added: “The travel and tourism sector contributed £280 billion to the UK economy last year, making Heathrow, its only hub airport, even more critical in unlocking economic growth across the country.
“It is clear that for too long, despite being the most expensive airport in the world, Heathrow hasn’t provided value for money for passengers and airlines alike. The Civil Aviation Authority now has an opportunity and duty to review what has gone wrong.”
Bar UK chef executive Michael Smeethsaid: “As the UK industry body representing the majority of airlines operating to the UK we are supporting the Heathrow Reimagined campaign, as we believe it is crucial for the UK to have a world class global hub airport that is able to deliver not only good connectivity, but also excellent value.
“This is crucial to ensure that the biggest benefits to consumers, businesses, and the UK economy are delivered.”