John Holland-Kaye, chief executive of Heathrow airport, branded the claims “categorically untrue” in a letter published in the newspaper yesterday - pointing out that “Heathrow has been working hard to reduce airport charges”.

Holland-Kaye said: “This year alone we’ve cut domestic charges by £10 while reducing the average per passenger charge by 2.3% to £21.92 — not the £40 figure suggested.”

He also made mention to Heathrow’s progress made on securing the benefits of expansion, creating a “better airport for passengers” with more airline competition driving down fares.

He added: “Reducing a major project’s cost without sacrificing the benefits is rare, but Heathrow has a strong track record.

“Terminals 2 and 5 were complex projects, and both were delivered on time and on budget. They transformed Heathrow, boosting efficiency and resulting in passengers rating Heathrow the best airport in western Europe three years running.”