Manchester airport owner will bid on Gatwick

Manchester Airport’s owner has confirmed that it is one of the potential bidders on Gatwick Airport if BAA decides – or is forced – to sell one of its airports after the Competition Commission releases its findings and recommendations this week.

The Manchester Airport Group (MAG) told the BAA chairman, Sir Nigel Rudd, that it is interested in buying London’s second busiest airport, in advance of a highly controversial report scheduled to be released this week by the Commission. It is expected that BAA will be forced to put Gatwick on the auction block.

The chief executive of MAG, Geoff Muirhead, said: “The group is interested in acquiring assets that will add value for our shareholders. We have a strong track record when it comes to running airports - we have a lot of skilled people who have developed very good relationships with airlines and other partners.”

Bournemouth, East Midlands and Humberside airports are also owned by MAG. MAG in turn, is owned by 11 local authorities, and is not likely to have sufficient resources to buy Gatwick on its own. With a likely price tag of around £3 billion, it is expected to see an interested investor to join in the bidding.

www.manchesterairport.co.uk