The management at the Heathrow airport are seeking permission to increase charges for airlines to use the airport between the years 2014 and 2019.

The increase in charges, which are subject an approval from to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), might result in an increase in tickets for passengers. The airport management is proposing a £3 billion five-year investment plan, which the airlines will have to pay extra for using the airport and they might transfer the hike to the customers.

Under the proposed plan, the hike will be equal to £19.33 per passenger for 2012-13 and as much as £27.30 in 2018-19. The CAA will announce its decision on the proposal in January 2014. Heathrow has said that the increased charges will help fund the investment for opening of the new Terminal 2 in 2014 and improved check-in and baggage facilities at the airport.

While announcing the proposal plan, Heathrow chief Colin Matthews said that the airport is expecting passenger numbers to increase from about 70 million to about 72.6 million by 2018-19. He added that airlines have got their forecast for passenger numbers wrong and that the airport is required to upgrade its facilities to compete with other airport hubs in the region.

"Heathrow faces stiff competition from other European hubs and we must continue to improve the service we offer passengers and airlines," Mr Matthews added.