AIRPORT operator BAA has put the For Sale sign up over Gatwick airport in a move likely to spark a lively bidding war. Almost as soon as the Spanish-owned company announced it was selling the West Sussex airport, Sir Richard Branson's airline Virgin Atlantic said it relished the chance to run it.

By Danny Fortson Business Correspondent Another top executive at BAA was shunted into the departure lounge yesterday as the house cleaning effort instituted by its new chief executive gathers pace.

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF *EasyJet is looking to withhold part-payment of recent price rises by operator BAA at Gatwick airport until the outcome of its legal challenge to the increases is known.

By TOM MCGHIE BAA is threatening to delay construction of a third runway at Heathrow if its investment programme is hit by tough new financial targets.

By Margareta Pagano Amid the chaos in London's airports, Sir Nigel Rudd has replaced his chief executive.