The Board of Airline Representatives has joined the call for BAA to pay airlines compensation for last month’s snow chaos, adding to the pressure on the airport operator.
BAR UK has written to BAA asking for it to make amends for the five days of closures during the snowfalls in the run-up to Christmas.
BAR UK chief executive Mike Carrivick said: “It doesn’t like that as it infers it has a legal liability.”
The call comes as Virgin Atlantic has said it will withhold payments to the airport operator pending an inquiry, and Lufthansa and Bmi said they were expecting some form of compensation. Carrivick added that there was widespread agreement among carriers about BAA’s culpability: “The airlines believe the airport is getting off Scott-free,” he said. The disruption had knock-on effects for well over a week.
“There were airlines all over Europe and the near Middle East trying to get to London that were left out of position, and therefore not earning revenue,” said Carrivick. “Passengers were exercising their right to cancel, also denying the airlines revenue, while at the same time they were absorbing all the hotel costs and everything that goes with it.”
Most carriers are channeling their anger through organizations like BAR UK, meaning that Virgin looks likely to be alone in its refusal to pay take off and landing fees.
British Airways has ruled out entering into the row.
“We are the largest customer at Heathrow and we have very regular discussions with BAA. We will continue to work with them,” a spokesman said.
BA estimates that the snow disruption cost it £50 million, although this figure includes losses caused by the closure of airports throughout Europe.
BAA said its terms and conditions mean airlines have to pay charges if they wish to continue flying from Heathrow.
Lufthansa said it was expecting BAA to approach airlines with a compensation package and would not withhold payments as a result.
"Lufthansa is in close contact with BAA on this issue and therefore legal action is not foreseen at the moment," a spokeswoman said.
Lufthansa-owned Bmi added: "We have assessed the costs incurred as a result of the snow disruption at London Heathrow and we will now enter into discussions about compensation."