British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are being pressed to donate to charity part of a £73.5m fund set up to compensate victims of a fuel surcharges cartel, a development that could have a far-reaching impact on the charitable sector.

The British Disabled Flying Association, which offers flying lessons to disabled and terminally ill people, and the Association of Air Ambulance Charities have asked a US court to force the two airlines to distribute a chunk of any unclaimed money to the non-profit groups.