BAA may have to sell three airports
Wed 20 Aug 2008 at 3:29 PM
BAA could be forced to sell three of its seven airports, the Competition Commission has announced.
The commission has published its investigation into the supply of airport services in the UK.
"We have provisionally found that there are significant competition problems arising from BAA's common ownership of seven UK airports," said enquiry group chairman Christopher Clarke.
It recommended BAA sell "two of its three London airports, and also either Edinburgh or Glasgow airport".
He observed a "lack of responsiveness to the needs of its airline customers and a lack of initiative in planning capacity".
The investigation said the common ownership of Edinburgh and Glasgow airports had stifled competition and was an example of the need for change.
BAA responded to its findings saying the commission "risks creating uncertainty, delay and confusion at exactly the wrong time".
The airport company employs profession and commercial jobs as well as ground controllers and retail staff.
