Probe into Coventry airport sale

March 25, 2004

Probe into airport sale 
ic Coventry, UK
 
The sale of Coventry Airport to Europe's largest
travel group TUI is being investigated by the Office
of Fair Trading.

The watchdog is inviting people to comment on the
sale, which was completed in February, before deciding
whether to refer it to the Competition Commission.

The development is the latest setback for the
German-based holiday firm which is planning to launch
Thomsonfly, its new low-cost airline, from the site
next week.

Warwick District Council announced yesterday that the
size and impact of temporary passenger facilities
recently built at the site would require an
Environmental Impact Assessment and planning
permission.

Council officers requested that development and use of
the building cease.

An OFT spokeswoman said it was working to a June 17
deadline, after which a decision would be made whether
to clear the deal, require amendments or refer it to
the Competition Commission.

She said: "We are putting out an invitation to comment
on the merger.

"When we look at issues of merger we put it out for
third party comment.

"In this case the deal has already been completed. We
were alerted to it in the trade press."

The low-cost airline hopes to start flying to 11
European holiday destinations from Coventry Airport
from March 31.
 

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