BAA, which owns Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen airports, may be forced to sell its operation in the capital, according to the report by the Competition Commission.

Christopher Clarke, who is leading the commission's inquiry into BAA's seven UK airports, said separate ownership of the two main Scottish airports would introduce competition. The commission is also open to the possible alternative sell-off of Glasgow airport.

Mr Clarke said: “Under separate ownership, the airport operators ... will have a much greater incentive to be far more responsive to their customers, both airlines and passengers.”

Gordon Dewar, managing director of Edinburgh airport, said that he didn't think the commission had made a case for te force sale. “We are surprised, we're looking for the justification for the forced sale of either airport because we don't think the evidence is there,” he added.

Mr Dewar said that Edinburgh and Glasgow airports served local markets and did not compete for passengers.

BAA's argument won backing from the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, which said that the commission had failed to recognise the realities of the airport market in Scotland.

Liz Cameron, its chief executive, said: “In London, BAA's three airports serve a single market, but in Scotland their three airports at Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow serve three very distinct markets.

“We have repeatedly given evidence to the commission demonstrating the fact that a change of ownership in any of BAA's Scottish airports will not necessarily have any effect on a passenger's choice of airport, but they have failed time and again to convincingly counter this argument.”

But SNP MSPs welcomed the commission's recommendation. Gil Paterson said: “BAA's ownership of Scotland's airports has restricted competition and held back our economy.

“We need real competition between the three lowland Scottish airports to ensure the best services, more direct international flights and competitive prices for business and tourism.”

Labour MSP Des McNulty said the commission's recommendation did not address Scotland's transport needs.

“Evidence presented to the commission suggested that the three Scottish airports operated at present by BAA serve different markets and that the lack of competition which undoubtedly is a problem in the London area is not affecting Scotland to the same extent,” he said.

“The selection of Edinburgh as the airport to be sold on relies on assumptions about travel patterns that are disputed - and all these calculations about travel patterns may well have to be revisited in the light of changing economic circumstances.”

Liberal Democrat Margaret Smith said: “The Competition Commission's ruling that BAA must sell Edinburgh Airport will be an unwelcome surprise for airport staff, many of whom live in my constituency.

“The next owner has to continue to support the Scottish airport network, which is vital for our economy and tourism industry.

“Scottish passengers should be able to fly direct from Scotland to their destination.

“This is not only what consumers want but it is also less environmentally damaging than funnelling passengers through already over-crowded London airports.”