A controversial move by Sydney Airport to increase charges for regional airlines has come under the spotlight, after carriers raised their concerns that the airport is planning higher charges than was previously announced.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has "reminded" the airport that it is required to inform the commission of any planned increase of such charges, says ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel.
"Accordingly, Sydney Airport will not increase charges for aircraft parking for regional airlines unless those prices are notified to the ACCC," he adds.
Sydney Airport announced in June it would seek approval from the ACCC to increase aeronautical fees for regional carriers, prompting protests from regional airline Regional Express (Rex).
Under the proposal, the airport plans to increase fees by a maximum of 2.9%. This includes a charge for aircraft parking at the apron.
"When the ACCC consulted with the New South Wales regional airline industry, concerns were raised that the proposed increases were only part of a much larger proposed increase to regional airlines by Sydney Airport," says the commission.
"The concerns related to additional charges for regional airlines parking longer than 45 minutes at the apron and in general aviation areas which were in addition to the 2.9% increases already notified to the ACCC."
Rex has said that the proposed increases, in addition to those notified to the ACCC, will increase its costs by A$3.1 million ($2.8 million) per annum, says the commission.
The ACCC adds that it will continue to assess the airport's proposal.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
