BAA’s ownership of seven airports in the UK may not be serving the interests of either airlines or passengers, the Competition Commission has suggested in its ’emerging thinking’ interim report.
The Commission is investigating the supply of airport services by BAA in the UK and expects to reveal its provisional findings in August. It will also set out possible remedies, which could include the sale of one of BAA’s airports.
Chairman of the BAA Airports inquiry Christopher Clarke said: “We are particularly concerned about its apparent lack of responsiveness to the differing needs of its airline customers, and hence passengers, and the consequence for the..timing of investment and levels and quality of service.
“We are also concerned about other aspects of BAA’s conduct such as its approach to the system of planning airport development which pay be related to ownership of several neighbouring airports.
“Overall, our current view is that there is potential for competition at all BAA’s airports.”