BAA closes a miserable year

Heathrow proved to be the only star in what was a miserable year for BAA Ltd, the Spanish-owned airport operator.  Even Heathrow had its problems with the political decision to abandon the third runway project, after it had expensively passed at the legal and public enquiry examinations, and the natural difficulties caused by both snow and volcanic dust. 

Figures published last week show an overall decline in passenger numbers at the six BAA airports to 2.8% year-on-year, the throughput figure at 103.9m.  Heathrow saw record figures in the months from July to November easily keeping its position as the world’s top airport in terms of international passenger throughput. 

Looking towards 2011 and happier times Southampton now claims to be the number one UK gateway to France with 14 destinations offered in 2011 including three new Flybe summer routes to Beziers, Clermont-Ferrand and Pau.  Stansted, which has had the most dramatic decline, is looking forward to the new BMI baby launch to Belfast City service in March – a route previously served by Ryanair, and Pegasus Airlines is to offer Beirut via Istanbul as well as launching new direct services to Izmir from 1 May 2011. www.baa.com

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