The Civil Aviation Authority has launched a consultation which could lead to the deregulation of Stansted.
Earlier this year the CAA said it was minded to continue to regulate the airport, but Stansted’s new owner, Manchester Airports Group, has since reached long-term deals with Ryanair and easyJet, which the CAA said might affect its market power.
If other stakeholders agree with the CAA’s provisional view that the agreements mean that it is now appropriate to deregulate the airport, it could be free in the future to set its own charges.
CAA group director of regulatory policy Iain Osborne said: "Our aim is to protect passengers, so we will act if the market fails. But regulation must achieve more benefits for consumers than it costs. That is why, following the airport’s recent deals with easyJet and Ryanair, it is sensible for us to consider whether regulation remains the best thing for Stansted’s passengers."
The CAA’s final decision will be published early next year and the form of regulation for Stansted finalised.
