The takeover of the airline Air Europa by the International Airlines Group fell through towards the end of last year. Now the carrier could end up with arch-rival Air France-KLM. Appropriate exploratory talks are said to be already underway.

Local media reports that the Franco-Dutch group has a keen interest in a possible takeover of Air Europa. However, Air France-KLM would first have to solve another problem: Due to the state aid that was granted in the wake of the corona pandemic, there are restrictions in this regard. In contrast to Lufthansa, these have not yet been fully repaid.

IAG boss Luis Gallego also commented on this topic on Friday. The manager confirmed that Air Europa owner Globalia is in negotiations with "another European airline group". Recently, the travel group also stated that it sees itself in the position of Air Europa to keep it in the air on its own.