Keir raises fears over BA takeover of city air routes

CONCERNS that the purchase of BMI by International Airlines Group (British Airways) would have a dire effect on air links between Scotland and Heathrow have been raised by Colin Keir, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Western.

The purchase has raised fears that flights between Edinburgh and London will be cut and fares could rise by a third.

Mr Keir made a formal complaint to the European Commission and the Office of Fair Trading in a bid to block the deal on grounds of competition and consumer services.

Mr Keir, whose constituency covers the airport, said: “If the BA deal goes through, hundreds of thousands of Scottish passengers and businesses would be restricted to one airline – that can’t be good for competition and passenger choice.

“Competitive air links between Heathrow and Edinburgh are crucial for our city’s economy.”