British and Irish airport investments continue busy merger and acquisition activity

If there was any doubt that the UK & Ireland remains one of the most dynamic air transport markets in the world that suspicion was dispelled by the level of recent and potential activity in airport M&A.

With Edinburgh Airport about to change hands, Glasgow Prestwick and Manston (Kent) airports may follow this year, as will London Stansted, later. Cardiff Airport's CEO resigned after a politician complained about lack of investment by the operator and there are plans to re-open Plymouth Airport under new ownership.

Meanwhile, in Ireland, the case has been made for a change of ownership at Shannon Airport - but not an outright privatisation - signaling the potential break-up of the Dublin Airport Authority.