Call for end to Heathrow monopoly

Published on 31/03/2012 12:00

A CITY MSP has called for British Airways to allow a new competitor to fly between Edinburgh and Heathrow to avoid a monopoly on the route following European Commission approval for its takeover of BMI.

The EU Competition Commissioner ruled British Airways owner IAG should be allowed to buy BMI in exchange for giving up 14 daily slots at Heathrow and a pledge to carry connecting passengers to feed its rivals’ long-haul flights.

But Colin Keir, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Western, which includes Scotland’s largest airport, said: “It’s disappointing that the European Commission has allowed this deal to go through.

“It can’t be healthy for competition and passenger choice to have a monopoly on a major route.

“Scottish businesses and passengers shouldn’t be served by only one airline to London Heathrow.”