British Airways said on Aug. 20 that tougher regulation at Britain's airports was a bigger issue than their ownership following a Competition Commission ruling to break up operator BAA.

"We think the ownership structure is secondary -- the focus should be on strengthening the regulatory system," a spokeswoman told Reuters.

"That is the way to create the capacity which is most needed -- especially at Heathrow," she added. The British carrier supports the introduction of a licence system which would help to measure an operator's performance and impose sanctions if targets are not reached.

The Competition Commission said earlier on Aug. 20 that BAA, owned by Spain's Ferrovial, should sell two of its three London airports and one of either Edinburgh or Glasgow.

It also criticised the regulatory regime under the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which will also come under review.