Panel delays decision on LAX rent hikes

As airlines heavily lobby City Hall, the Airport Commission on Monday put off deciding whether to raise terminal rents and other fees for low-cost carriers at Los Angeles International Airport.

In the last week, airline executives contacted Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s office to discuss what has been an acrimonious dispute between the carriers and the airport agency. Carriers argue that higher fees would force them to charge higher fares. The agency says it’s been subsidizing airlines for too long and needs more revenue to pay for airport improvements.