> Now they can start jacking up their landing fees (each year) until air travel becomes unaffordable
Most popular destinations already have a choice of alternative options (EWR, LGA, BUR, SNA, ONT) and the ones that don't are big only because a major carrier decided to build a hub there (ATL, SLC). Carriers will not jump in with huge commitments until some long-term contracts are in place.
In Southern California, for instance, Santa Monica charges a landing fee, and nearby Van Nuys is suddenly the busiest general aviation airport in the nation.
Most popular destinations already have a choice of alternative options (EWR, LGA, BUR, SNA, ONT) and the ones that don't are big only because a major carrier decided to build a hub there (ATL, SLC). Carriers will not jump in with huge commitments until some long-term contracts are in place.
In Southern California, for instance, Santa Monica charges a landing fee, and nearby Van Nuys is suddenly the busiest general aviation airport in the nation.