Airport Regulation: Reflecting on the Lessons from BAA plc

This article discusses the implications of airport privatization and regulation with reference to the case of BAA plc. It concludes that regulation should be implemented in a coordinated manner which is consistent with wider policy goals and which respects the outcomes for all stakeholders. The need for countries to have a strategic airports policy to guide development towards national economic and environmental goals is highlighted. The implications of the regulation of BAA to protect public interest is both timely and topical given that the next government airports policy is due to be released in 2002 and current plans for the privatization of air traffic control. Regulation may be the only policy lever to shape a privatized and commercialised airport system and its role within a wider integrated transport strategy.