The Competition Commission is expected to report that the BAA is not serving the interests of passengers and airlines. Rather the BAA, or British Airport Authority, has been setting high prices and taking advantage of airlines and travelers. It is expected that the organization will have to sell some of its London airports, such as Gatwick (LGW), as well as other airports in Scotland and throughout the United Kingdom. The BAA currently owns the following airports: Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted and Southampton.
Rival airport authorities, such as Manchester Airport Group (who owns Manchester, East Midlands, Bourenmouth and Humberside), may be interested in acquiring another airport, specifically one of the big three London airports.
London Heathrow, one of the largest airports in the world, has faced struggles with its new terminal 5. British Airways, who uses the terminal as a “global hub,” has been attempting to reassure passengers that the new terminal is working. They have launched a massive ad campaign, even in the United States, and have launched a website.
I’ve had the chance to experience both London’s Gatwick and Heathrow airports. Both are very large, Heathrow larger than Gatwick, but still a pain to walk through. I can say that I’m happy to see competition at these airports, and it’s about time someone stepped in to disband the giant muscle that the BAA has on London. Competition drives innovation and change; I’m sure British Airways and their passengers will be pleased with this decision.
Image: flickr.com
