BAA 'may shut terminal in winter'

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Glasgow airport operator BAA has confirmed it is considering the closure of a terminal for a few weeks in the winter to cut costs.

A BAA spokesman said the closure of Terminal 2 was one of "a range of options" being looked at.

The terminal has been used as a check-in for low-cost carrier Easyjet after it opened five years ago to deal with the main terminal's overspill.

However, the spokesman added that nothing had yet been decided.

BAA is already under pressure to sell off either Glasgow or Edinburgh airports under a Competition Commission ruling it is appealing against later this month.

The commission told the firm in March that it must sell Gatwick and Stansted airports and either Edinburgh or Glasgow airport.

We are still in discussion with airlines and nothing has been agreed at this stage Donald MorrisonBAA

BAA, which is owned by Spanish firm Ferrovial, said the ruling failed to take into account the tough economic climate facing the aviation industry.

The challenging conditions came into focus this week with British Airways announcing 1,700 job cuts and a pay freeze.

Now BAA has confirmed it is looking to reduce its costs during the quieter winter months.

Spokesman Donald Morrison said: "Like any private business, Glasgow airport must control its costs - particularly during times of recession - so that it remains competitive.

"We are currently looking at a range of options to reduce costs over the quieter winter months, when we traditionally have fewer passengers.

"However, we are still in discussion with airlines and nothing has been agreed at this stage."

He said the airport was continuing to invest £12m on new terminal and airfield facilities this year.

But he added: "We can only make this investment by reducing our fixed costs."