The original schedule was for the takeover of the Spanish airline Air Europa to be completed around mid-2021. Now the project is wavering because the EU Commission has reported concerns and is conducting an in-depth review.

Iberia has already given some slots, mainly in Madrid, to competitors such as Volotea and World2Fly. The aim was to vote favorably with the competition authority, but the measures taken so far are obviously not enough for the EU Commission. The latter is of the opinion that the International Airlines Group will have a monopoly on at least 70 connections. As a result, prices are expected to rise due to the planned merger of Iberia and Air Europa.

Brussels has now initiated an in-depth review process. This should be completed by November 5, 2021. Then the EU Commission will inform you whether the deal will be waved through, will be approved subject to conditions or even completely prohibited. It is completely unclear what effects a ban could have on Air Europa. The financial aid that Spain had granted through the state fund Sepi was also linked to the takeover by IAG.