The enforced sale of BAA’s airports could boost travel jobs, according to travel recruiters.

Last week, the Competition Commission told BAA that it must sell Gatwick, Stansted and either Glasgow or Edinburgh within the next two years.

Ian Brooks, director at Gail Kenny Executive Search, told Recruiter: “The long-term impact of the break-up of the BAA’s UK airport monopolistic position should be good for jobs, because greater competition, especially in the South East should produce a higher quality airport experience, which should in turn encourage customers to choose to fly.

“However, in the short term airports such as Gatwick and Stansted will be in limbo until their ownership changes, and this could have a negative effect as airlines are unsure about whether to commit more flights (and hence create more jobs) until the policies of the new owners emerge.”

Barbara Kolosinska, director at c and m Recruitment, adds: “Once people know what is going on, people are more likely to leave from a candidate perspective and seek new employment, and employers will be more confident in looking for staff.

“There will be a recruitment freeze at all of the airlines at the airports - not just airlines but also retail. They are going to hold fire to see how it will impact.”