Competition Commission Could Order Glasgow Or Edinburgh Airport Sale

Wednesday 13th August 2008

There is mounting speculation that competition watchdogs are ready to demand that BAA (British Airports Authority) sell one of the two main airports in Scotland namely Edinburgh or Glasgow. The Competition Commission have stated that the common ownership of the airports is detracting from the competition between them.

The demand to sell of of their Scottish airports could very well then be followed by the order for BAA to sell one of the main three London airports with some rumours suggesting Gatwick as the most likely to go - however currently this is just speculation.

The sale of one of BAA's Scottish airports may see Glasgow being the airport to go as current rumours indicate that it may be the most likely to be sold due to its core charter traffic being in decline. However the option to sell Edinburgh Airport may be preferred by BAA as the airport is currently enjoying high levels of success.

The question remains as to the effect that the sale of either airport would have on passengers. Opinion seems to be split over the prospect of the sale of the airports with many business groups content with the current BAA ownership however several airlines appear to welcome the idea of a sale.

The appeal of buying an airport in the current economic climate may seem limited, however it is believed that several groups would be interested in the purchase of either airport with Edinburgh Airport seemingly most likely to fetch the best price after being very successful as of late.