Three UK airports “up for sale”
Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly
Cardiff, Luton and Belfast International airports have been put up for sale by their Spanish owners, reports have said.
According to the Sunday Times, the three regional airports could be sold off to ease the EUR14 billion (GBP12.2bn) of debts announced by owners Abertis.
The Welsh Government is expected to buy Cardiff Airport next month for approximately GBP50m, while Luton Council had previously battled for funding with Abertis for the airport until granted GBP100m funding in August.
The three could now be sold off after the Spanish company said it was reviewing its airport businesses and said “all options are open”.
Heathrow Limited, previously known as BAA, was forced to sell Stansted and Edinburgh earlier this year and were bought for more than their predicted value.
Abertis is the world’s biggest toll road operator with business also in telecommunications and car parks. Its airport business makes up 8% of revenue and operates hubs in Mexico, South America and Sweden.