BAA to sell Edinburgh airport

Airport operator BAA is to sell Edinburgh airport, the Spanish-owned company announced today.

BAA, which operates six UK airports, had been ordered by the Competition Commission (CC) to sell either Edinburgh or Glasgow airport.

BAA said today it had decided that Edinburgh would be the one to be sold and that – if all goes well – the sale will be agreed by next summer.

After a long inquiry, which has led to numerous legal challenges, the CC found that BAA's ownership of UK airports was anti-competitive and ordered the company to sell Gatwick, Stansted and one of either Glasgow or Edinburgh.

Gatwick has already been sold to an American concern and BAA is still disputing the Stansted decision.

BAA, which also operates Heathrow, Southampton and Aberdeen airports, said today: “We are now commencing preparations for a sale (of Edinburgh) and expect to formally approach the market in the new year with a view to agreeing a sale by summer 2012.

BAA chief executive Colin Matthews added: “Edinburgh is a great airport with a great team and a great future and we will be very sorry to see it leave BAA.

“We remain committed to Scotland and we will continue our long-term investment to improve passenger and airline experience at Aberdeen and Glasgow, as well as at Edinburgh until the sale is complete.”

He went on: “Choosing which airport to sell has been a difficult decision. Edinburgh Airport has shown itself to be a strong and resilient asset throughout the economic downturn.

“Passenger numbers at Edinburgh have grown by more than 6% over the past year and in an uncertain market we expect it to be an attractive asset to prospective buyers.

“Glasgow Airport has great opportunities for future growth and development and we think BAA is well-placed to build on its recent success. Both airports are of national importance and have a bright future.”