Following the announcement from the Competition Commission that airport operator BAA must sell either Glasgow or Edinburgh airport, SNP members of Holyrood have called on the company to make a decision quickly in order to bring clarity to the airports’ future.
BAA currently owns three of Scotland’s airports – Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.
SNP MSP Colin Keir said: “It is time we had clarity and certainty over BAA’s plans for Edinburgh and Glasgow.
“Continued delay will put off investment and reduces the opportunities for attracting increased direct flights to Scotland’s capital.
“I want to see more direct flights to Edinburgh and an airport that plays a full part in developing the potential of the west of the city. Whether that is BAA or someone else it is incumbent on BAA to provide clarity over its intentions as soon as possible.”
Edinburgh airport is located in Mr Keir’s Edinburgh West constituency.
Derek MacKay, the SNP MSP representing the Renfrewshire North and West constituency, where Glasgow airport is based, agreed with the call made by Mr Keir, saying:
“Glasgow airport has historically not seen the same level of investment from BAA or passenger numbers as Edinburgh and the continued uncertainty over its future has no doubt played a part.
“With new investment plans in place the uncertainty over its future and its ownership must not be allowed to stall investment.
“Glasgow airport must be allowed to reach its full potential with a real push to bring in more direct flights.
“If BAA intend to fight the Competition Commission then they must guarantee that investment in Glasgow will not be put on hold, if they intend to sell then they must say so so we can ensure the new owners have the best interests of Glasgow airport at heart.”