With the strong possibilities of the break up of BAA remaining on the horizon, the rumours centred on the creation of a second runway at the Gatwick Airport are significantly growing. Later during this week, it is expected that the Competition Commission is most likely to publish a report to the airport operator, which is expected to feature a suggestion regarding the breakup of the firm in a move to remove the relative monopoly of BAA over UK airports.

According to a statement made by The Observer, it appears that the commission is most likely to make a criticism of the government for favouring an idea related to the expansion of Heathrow and Stansted over Gatwick. It is also expected that the said report will also include a recommendation to sell away Gatwick Airport. In this connection, BAA has stated that already several parties have expressed their interest in buying it, though officially it is not yet ready for sale.

As per the note made in the newspaper, it is most likely that a new owner of Gatwick will be genuinely interested in a second runway at least in a bid to boost the competition with other airports that are based in the south-east.

On the other hand, the present suggestion has also invited serious criticisms from the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign. The campaign strongly feels that the second runway would prove to be a seriously detrimental factor to the local area and the environment at large.