EasyJet, Ryanair airlines threaten to withhold portion of airport fees

Low-cost airlines easyJet and Ryanair threatened Tuesday to withhold part of the landing charges they pay airport owner BAA while they challenge the latest fee increases in court.

EasyJet chief executive Andy Harrison said his airline will hold back paying some of the 21 percent increase in charges at London's Gatwick airport until a court reviews fee increases that took effect on April 1.

"We are determined to address a regulatory decision which we consider to be unlawful and damaging for the airlines, our passengers and the industry as a whole," Harrison wrote in a letter to BAA.

Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary said his …