Heathrow owner Ferrovial sells majority stake for $3bn

The Spanish multinational announced late on Tuesday (28 November) it had sold 15% to Paris-based Ardian and 10% to the Public Investment Fund for a total of $3 billion (£2.4 billion).

According to media reports, Ferrovial, which acquired the majority stake in Heathrow and other six UK airports in 2006, had grown frustrated following the CAA’s decision to set the airport’s passenger fee at £25.43 for the 2024-2026 period.

The company had in fact lobbied for the fee to be between £32 and £43 per person.

“Over the last 17 years, we have been contributing to Heathrow’s transformation, together with our fellow shareholders, achieving some excellent milestones throughout our long-term role as investor,” Ferrovial Airports chief executive Luke Bugeja said. 

“We are very pleased to have made Heathrow one of the world’s most connected airports and the busiest airport in Europe.”

The announcement comes as the London hub trimmed its losses to £19 million following a boost in passenger levels.