Airport regulation: Reflecting on the lessons from BAA plc

This article discusses the implications of airport privatization and regula tion with reference to the case of BAA plc. It concludes that regulation sh ould be implemented in a coordinated manner which is consistent with wider policy goals and which respects the outcomes for all stakeholder. The need for countries to have a strategic airports policy to guide development towa rds national economic and environmental goals is highlighted. The implicati ons of the regulation of BAA to protect public interest is both timely and topical given that the next government airports policy is due to be release d in 2002 and current plans for the privatization of air traffic control. R egulation may be the only policy lever to shape a privatized and commercial ised airport system and its role within a wider integrated transport strate gy.