Crowded airports warning

Air fares will “increase significantly” if UK airports become too congested, aviation regulators have warned the UK government.

Capacity constraints at many airports will “increasingly limit the choice and value available to consumers”, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said.

In a report titled Aviation Policy for Consumers, the CAA said Westminster needed to put air passengers at the heart of its thinking when it consults on aviation policy next spring.

“Fares at congested airports are predicted to increase significantly as a result of capacity constraints,” the CAA report said.

It warned such constraints could add £10 to a return fare by 2030, with a return fare at London City Airport going up by as much as £17.

The report also predicted airlines would be less likely to “take a chance” on new services.