Airlines slam passenger tax hike

London: Airline companies have criticized Britain's aviation authority for green-lighting a passenger tax hike of 20 percent at two of the country's largest airports.

The Civil Aviation Authority has said more money is needed to revamp Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

But British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, BMI, EasyJet and Ryanair have slammed the decision, saying they caved into pressure from airport owner BAA.

BAA has said the tax hike will still not cover the expenditure needed, while the airline companies called for an end to its monopoly on London airports.