SNP MSP HITS OUT AT AIRPORT RULING

SNP MSP HITS OUT AT AIRPORT RULING

AIRPORT MONOPOLY HURTS SCOTTISH PASSENGERS

SNP MSP for the West of Scotland Gil Paterson has expressed disappointment
at the Competition Appeals Tribunal decision to overturn the Competition
Commission's ruling that BAA must sell some of its airports including
either Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Mr Paterson, who has campaigned for airport regulation in Scotland and
greater competition, said:

"It is disappointing that problems with the people on the Competition
Commission's panel have halted plans to introduce competition to
Scotland's airports.

"With one operator owning two airports within an hour's drive of each
other there is little incentive for them to introduce competition on
routes, tickets or charges.

"This monopoly on air travel in Scotland is compounded by flights forced
to go through London hubs. Scots travellers are being charged twice and
paying fares considerably over the odds. Competition between airports
could bring considerably more direct flights.

"I sincerely hope a new panel of the Competition Commission will look at
this case, engage with BAA and bring real competition to Scotland's
airports.

"Today's decision strengthens the campaign for Scotland's airports to be
regulated independently. London's airports are regulated by the
Department for Transport to ensure passengers, the travelling public and
local London residents are considered by the airports. That does not
exist in Scotland and after today's decision I will be contacting the
relevant ministers in London and Edinburgh to see what can be done."