Air passengers could face a fresh surcharge on tickets to pay for the escalating price of airport security, The Observer newspaper reported. Senior airline industry sources say the plan is being considered by government officials, the newspaper said. It is seen as an alternative to taxpayers footing the bill or the airline industry paying the tens of millions of pounds needed for more security staff, training and upgraded equipment, the newspaper said.

This would be resisted by airlines which are urging the government to contribute, The Observer added.

Steve Ridgway, chief executive of Virgin Atlantic, told the newspaper: “It’s appropriate that the government steps up to that responsibility and helps provide the right resources to ensure passengers have as smooth an experience as possible.”
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