Competition Commission tells BAA to sell three airports

Ferrovial-owned airport operator BAA must sell two of its London airports and either Glasgow or Edinburgh airport, the Competition Commission has ruled.

The Commission took the decision, which is subject to a consultation, because of problems created by BAA's near monopoly in the airports sector.

BAA owns three major airports in London: Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted. But it will now be forced to sell two of them.

"There are significant competition problems arising from BAA's common ownership of seven UK airports. This is evident from its lack of responsiveness to the needs of its airline customers and a lack of initiative in planning capacity," inquiry chairman Christopher Clarke said.

The Commission also singled out problems in Britain's planning process. Problems with the planning process could result in delays to plans to expand Heathrow and Gatwick.