The European Commission has raised new objections to the proposed acquisition of the Spanish carrier Air Europa by the International Airlines Group (IAG). The sacrifices proposed by the two companies were not enough to obtain the green light from Brussels and get married. Technicians fear price increases on some routes and a decrease in the quality of services after the transaction.

The merger of the two airlines "could limit competition in the market for passenger air transport services, in particular for intra-European routes, to and from Spain", said the technicians of the European Competition Commission, led by Margrethe Vestager. According to rumours, IAG was willing to cede up to 40% of Air Europa's airport slots to competitors. Nothing done.

In detail, the Group is trying to acquire 80% of Air Europa (it already holds 20%), currently in the hands of the Spanish company Globalia: there are 400 million euros on the table to buy the majority share of the airline, through its subsidiary Iberia, the Spanish flag carrier. The European Commission must make a final decision by 15 July 2024

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