The decision on the marriage between the European aviation group Iag and the air carrier Air Europa will arrive by 20 August 2024. This is the provisional deadline set by the European Commission. In fact, Brussels is evaluating the details of the offer which envisages the sale of 80% of the Iberian airline for 400 million euros to the International Airlines Group company, which announces the doubling of its commitment to the merger operation. 

Recently, IAG presented a new package of corrective measures to obtain the green light from Brussels for the privatization of the airline Air Europa. This is a further series of remedies that seek to address Brussels' concerns about the possible impact of the merger on competition in the Spanish air transport market. The latest offer requires Iberia to cede up to 52% of routes operated by Air Europa to competing airlines, a further sacrifice compared to the 40% previously offered. 

In 2019 the Spanish flag carrier Iberia (controlled by IAG) offered one billion euros to buy Air Europa. The deal was renegotiated in 2021, lowering the price to 500 million, but nothing was done about it. In 2022 Iag purchased a 20% stake in Air Europa for 100 million, placing the share in the hands of the Globalia company. Finally, in February 2023 IAG proposed to purchase the remaining 80% for 400 million. Meanwhile, the Group's top management is optimistic about the positive conclusion of the operation.

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