The ITA-Lufthansa agreement is bogged down in Brussels. Meanwhile, rival airlines take advantage of this to scupper the marriage. While waiting for the technicians of the European Competition Commission, led by Marghrethe Vestager, to send the notification containing the critical issues to be resolved and the possible solutions to Rome and Berlin within a few days, the low-cost airlines are preparing to put a spanner in the works the wheels when they are called to express themselves, perhaps in June 2024.

The CEO of Ryanair, Michael O'Leary, had repeatedly expressed his disinterest in the ITA-Lufthansa marriage, but in the event that the Vestager commission gives the green light to the wedding he will have to ask his opinion, and according to rumors the low-cost airline will want to ensure a greater presence and airport slots at the best times in Milan-Malpensa and Rome-Fiumicino, which ITA and Lufthansa will have to leave.

Similar story for the British easyJet. The CEO, Johan Lundgren, did not expose himself much. However, it aims to obtain take-off and landing rights at the Milan-Linate airport, where it could open a new Italian base. In short, in the event of a green light from the European Antitrust, as a condition to avoid an appeal to the Court of Justice, Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet would ask ITA Airways and Lufthansa to sell 30% of the slots. A hard blow for the betrothed, who are already evaluating the cost-benefit ratio.

On the same topic, see also the article published by AVIONEWS.