ATLANTA -— Airports are pushing for an increase in ticket fees that help pay for improvements, while airlines vehemently oppose the hike.

The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee this week approved legislation that included an increase in the maximum passenger facility charge, or PFC, from $4.50 to $8.50. For a nonstop, roundtrip flight from Atlanta that would typically mean an increase from $9 to $17.

The proposal is likely to be contentious if it advances through Congress. A House version of the bill did not include an increase in the PFC.

Airports for years have pushed for an increase, saying they need the money for improvements. An earlier attempt to raise the maximum on a flight segment to $7 made it into a House bill but did not survive in the final version passed in 2012.

Now, the airport lobby has gained fresh energy with the surprise inclusion of the increase in a transportation and housing appropriations bill passed by the Senate committee.

“Improving terminals to accommodate more gates, bigger seating areas, and modern security checkpoints will result in shorter lines, lower airfare and a better passenger experience,” according to Washington-based airport lobbying group Airports Council International-North America.