Low Cost Big Names Respond To Gatwick Sale News

Thursday 18th September 2008

Two of the UK's main low-cost carriers Ryanair and easyjet have responded to the news that Gatwick Airport is to be sold by BAA.

Their approach is very different however, with Ryanair instantly calling for the sale of Stansted Airport and one of the groups Scottish airports as well. Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary branded the sale of Gatwick a "trick". A release on their website dated the 17/09/08 quoting Mr. O'Leary was highly critical of BAA and the CAA with the latter referred to as "useless".

Budget airline easyjet have concentrated on different matters since the sale was announced. Whilst Ryanair were pushing for more action to break-up BAA, easyjet were voicing the doubts they have over the sale of Gatwick, and the effect that it will, or will not have on competition.

In a press release on their website easyjet stated that "simply breaking-up BAA will do nothing to improve competition" outlining three factors they feel need to be recognised to improve the experience for passengers, these can be found here.

The airline closed their comments by calling on the Department of Transport to ensure that their proposed reform of UK airport regulation has the end result of protecting airport passengers, and not airport owners.