• UK
  • Ireland
  • Netherlands
  • Germany
  • USA
  • South Africa
  • Australia

Travel News

 

Search news stories

 

News Feeds

bloglines
Google
Live
Technorati
RSS
DCS

Dutch Airport group considers foray into Scotland

Dutch Airport group considers foray into Scotland Dutch airport group Schiphol is reportedly considering a bid for either Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport.

The Herald reports that the company which owns Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam has a "definite interest" in acquiring a new base in Scotland.

Both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports are currently operated by the Spanish-owned British Airports Authority (BAA).

However, the Competition Commission recently suggested that the airport ownership situation in Scotland is not proving healthy for either the industry or passengers.

The regulator stated in a preliminary report that BAA's dominance of airports in the Central Belt of Scotland was running counter to the best interests of airlines and customers.

Schiphol has positioned Glasgow as its primary target but has stated that it will also consider Edinburgh and possibly even Aberdeen for purchase.

Should Glasgow Airport come onto the market, then Schiphol will face competition from west Scotland council officials who are hoping to put together a joint bid alongside the Manchester Airports Group.

This follows last month's revelations by The Herald that "discreet negotiations" were already under way between the two groups.

There is reportedly concern that Schiphol will not make the required investments at Glasgow Airport and instead turn it into a feeder for its Amsterdam base.

Schipol is fully owned by the Dutch government but The Scotsman reports that it has significant financial resources and is even considering listing on the Dutch stock market.

Now all eyes will be on the Competition Commission's full report which is due out next year and will outline the future of airport ownership in the UK.


Airport News posted on 02 September 2008

Have your say - Post a new Comment!

Heading:
Comment:
Anonymous: