EasyJet accused the UK Civil Aviation Authority of unlawfully increasing charges to use London's Gatwick Airport last year, claiming the regulator and operator BAA held private talks after a consultation deadline passed.

EasyJet said the ruling would cost it GBP46 million pounds (USD$64.6 million) in extra fees over five years.

The claims emerged on Tuesday at the start of a high court battle between easyJet and the CAA, which regulates Britain's airports.

The case is likely to run for the rest of the week, with a ruling expected within two months.

A CAA spokesman said the regulator would "vigorously defend our decision", referring to the original ruling on prices in March 2008.