They are fighting the increase -- and it is thought all have refused to pay the new rate.

The money goes to the United States Treasury because America owns the land.

But Bermuda Government would be expected to get it after taking full responsibility for the Airport.

Until October 1 last year, airlines were charged 30 cents per 1,000lb of aircraft. The US Navy -- which handles air traffic -- has now pushed the rate up to $1.70.

And the United States Naval Air Station has defended the rise.

Most airlines contacted by The Royal Gazette were reluctant to comment on the dispute. They said talks were going on to try to reduce the fees, and negotiations were at a "delicate stage''.

USAir's customer services manager Mr. Herbie Siggins said airlines had petitioned the US Navy through their head offices.

"I believe all the airlines have done this. This landing fee has been queried and USAir is not paying the increased rate.'' It is understood other companies are also paying the old rate.

Mr. Siggins said the dispute over landing fees did not have implications for Bermuda -- yet.

But landing fees would affect Bermuda when it took over the whole of the Airport.

Mr. Siggins took issue with the argument that the fee increase brought Bermuda in line with other airports. "All airports have their own fee structures, and you can't compare them,'' he said.

Northwest's Mr. Ron Kattawar, chairman of the Board of Airline Representatives, said: "I have to be very careful. I wouldn't want to get drawn into anything at this juncture which may jeopardise negotiations.'' Mr. Kattawar said all seven carriers in Bermuda were battling for a lower rate. He added airlines had received bills for the increased fees.

Mr. Kattawar imagined the money would go towards Airport maintenance, adding fees were not imposed to rake in profits.

Cdr. Rich Link, Operations Officer at the US Naval Air Station, defended the increase -- although it was not the Base which imposed it. "We just implement the policy, and do all the paperwork.'' He said the increase was brought in "in deference to good business practice'', and was not a bid to "slam the airlines''.

Cdr. Link stated the fee rise brought Bermuda into line with other airports.

And he added airlines had received plenty of warning.

Cdr. Link said the Secretary of the Navy instructed the increase in December, 1992. All US Navy air stations were hit by a similar hike.

Airlines in Bermuda, said Cdr. Link, were given a 10-month breathing space before the rise came into effect.

"I believe they were aware there would be an increase before us.'' He added this was the first increase for "some number of years''.

Cdr. Link said the money went straight into the US Treasury. The Base did not directly benefit.