Second Gatwick runway speculation arises
A break up of airports operator BAA could lead to a revival of plans to develop a second runway at Gatwick, according to weekend speculation.
The Competition Commission is this week expected to rule on the future of BAA following complaints that it is operating a virtual monopoly.
One option being touted prior to the formal publication of the provisional findings is a sell-off of Gatwick and criticism of the government’s preference for new runways at Heathrow and Stansted.
BAA struck an agreement with West Sussex County Council almost 30 years ago not to build a secnd runway before 2019 if it was allowed to build the North Terminal.
But a new owner is expected to be more likely to press for a second runway at Gatwick to help it compete more effectively with Heathrow, Stansted and Southampton.
Manchester Airport Group has emerged as one of a number of possible interested parties if a divestment of Gatwick was ordered.
BAA chairman Sir Nigel Rudd conceded to the BBC that he expected the watchdog to recommend a break up of the company, which owns seven UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Southampton in England and Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen in Scotland.
But he discounted claims that a break up would increase competition due to Heathrow’s prime location.
“Heathrow does not compete with Gatwick and does not compete with Stansted or Luton or Manchester,†he reportedly said.
“It competes with Charles de Gaulle [Paris], Dubai now and [Amsterdam] Schiphol because these are big international hub airports so the ownership of airports has nothing to do with competition.â€
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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