The BTA Pulse | NATS Failures, Heathrow Charges and Hotel Levy Dominate Conversations

Send us Fan MailWelcome to The BTA Podcast.  In these podcasts we will endeavour to share our thoughts, concerns, optimism and build those all-important human connections with our Partners, Members and Guests.Episode Overview:Clive Wratten and Andrew Clarke covered a busy period for business travel.Air traffic control: Andrew's own trip was hit by Gulf airspace and volcanic disruption, but the main focus was NATS' latest UK failure — the third in three years. Both criticised NATS' muted response and the government's "inquiry, lessons learned" approach, noting airlines bear the cost while NATS faces none.Heathrow charges: BTA continues backing "Heathrow Reimagined," having written to the CAA and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander over cost mechanisms that could pass development costs to travellers.Hotel levy: Clive discussed it live on Radio 5 — reports suggest no cap on rates and a percentage rather than flat fee. Hosts rejected the "tourist tax" framing, calling it a tax on business and growth, warning it risks pricing UK cities out of major events.Budget submission: Ahead of the October budget, BTA's asks include no further APD rises, regrading premium economy tax, and firm rail investment (HS2/Euston), coordinated with GBTA.Upcoming events: BTA Autumn Conference in Alicante (~2 weeks, ~190 attendees, Andrew moderating) and the London Mobility Conference (next Tuesday, alongside the People Awards).You can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created by The BTA and edited & distributed by BusinessTravel360.  For more information about The BTA visit TheBTA.org.ukSupport the show