21 October 2009

EasyJet raises Ã¢â¬ËœmonopolyÃ¢â¬â¢ concerns despite Gatwick sale

EasyJet has raised concerns that Gatwick needs ‘proper’ regulation despite its sale by BAA for £1.51 billion.

The budget airline, Gatwick’s largest carrier with 9.6 million passengers a year and a 28% market share, is concerned about high charges at the airport.

EasyJet sought a Judicial Review of a Civil Aviation Authority decision last year to allow a 50% increase in airport charges at Gatwick over a five year period, despite the fact that there will be no new runways or terminals.

The case is currently before the Court of Appeal and a decision is likely towards the end of the year, according to the airline.

Commenting on the sale of Gatwick to London City Airport owners GIP (see previous TravelMole story), EasyJet chief executive Andy Harrison said: "Regardless of who owns Gatwick, it is still a monopoly.

"Therefore it is vital that Gatwick is properly regulated to protect airline passengers from the new owners exploiting their market power.

"It is vital that the Government’s review of airport regulation produces a tougher and more effective system than the current discredited one which has contributed so much to the poor sate of London’s airports."

EasyJet runs 39 aircraft from Gatwick, its largest base.

by Phil Davies