The British Airports Authority (BAA) was a company responsible for managing several major airports in the United Kingdom, including Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, and Stansted Airport. Established in 1965, BAA played a crucial role in the development and operation of these airports, ensuring they met the needs of passengers and airlines. In 2006, BAA was sold to a consortium led by Ferrovial, a Spanish infrastructure company. Following this acquisition, BAA faced regulatory scrutiny and was required to sell some of its airports. As a result, it no longer operates all the airports it once managed, focusing instead on a smaller portfolio.