The prospect of three independently run London airports is close to securing clearance. The UK competition watchdog’s proposed break-up of BAA, including the sale of Gatwick and Stansted, is welcome. While divestments are not a complete solution to the problem of too few runways, competition should raise the airports’ performance. Passengers should benefit from a more efficient service.

If the process can be managed without it becoming a firesale for Ferrovial, BAA’s debt-laden owner, the Competition Commission’s case for the break-up is compelling. The airports operator has been rightly criticised for being unresponsive to the needs of airlines and passengers. Separate owners would have more incentive to meet those needs.