The article notes that BAA's Nelson has already blamed the heavens for the Easter travel chaos that has not yet happened; discusses breaking up BAA's hold on the other London airports to improve competition; highlights LHR's low ranking in satisfaction tables; and emphasises the BAA "shoppoing mall" mentality.

In typical Economist style, it argues that rather than more regulation, market forces should sort out the problems, including the legal ability for airlines to trade landing slots. Moving in this direction could ultimately see Cliffe in Kent revived as an alternative.

See this article with graphics and related items at http://www.economist.co.uk/world/bri...ory_id=8966398

James