Sir Richard Branson, chairman of the Virgin Group. - File

Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited, the privately owned British airline controlled by billionaire Richard Branson, said Tuesday it would be interested in bidding for London's Gatwick Airport as part of a consortium.

Gatwick could be up for sale next year after Britain's competition watchdog said that it may force airports operator BAA to sell three of its seven airports around the country - including two in London - following fierce criticism of the company for poor customer service, overcrowding and long delays.

The interim report from the Competition Commission last month argues that the problems at London's Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports are a result of BAA's monopoly.

The commission's final report, with formal orders and recommendations, is not due out until February.

"Virgin Atlantic would be interested in possibly bidding to run it, as part of a consortium," the company said. "We would be able to bring our expertise in customer service into any ownership group.

"We cannot comment on parties we may have held talks with, but we are watching developments closely," it added.

More than 34 million passengers use Gatwick airport, the sixth busiest airport in the world, each year.

- AP