The EU will approve Lufthansa’s takeover of ITA Airways amid antitrust concerns

The EU antitrust authority is ready to approve Lufthansa’s takeover of a 41% stake in financially struggling ITA Airways, Italy’s flag carrier. This came after Lufthansa allayed EU competition concerns by unveiling a new set of concessions.

Lufthansa’s bid to take over ITA Airways, ongoing since February 2022, has come under scrutiny due to concerns about reduced competition on some routes and ITA’s dominance at Milan Linate Airport. Despite these challenges, Lufthansa has signaled it will not make further concessions and may withdraw from the deal if the EU does not approve it by July 4.

The approval is expected to follow the regulator’s review of the final package of measures, representing a critical step in the broader context of airline mergers in Europe, including the ongoing investigation into IAG Group’s proposed takeover of Air Europa.