Due to an order from the EU Commission in connection with state aid for Air France, the carrier had to surrender slots at Paris-Orly Airport. 18 pairs were added to the IAG subsidiary Vueling.
Taking into account the fact that the take-off and landing rights of the former level operation of OpenSkies have also landed with Vueling, the Spanish low-cost airline is able to carry out a large-scale expansion from Paris.
Slots in Orly are particularly popular because this airport is much closer to the city center than Charles de Gaulle or even Beauvais. Regarding the bid for the IAG subsidiary, EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said: “This will enable Vueling to expand its activities at this heavily congested airport and help ensure fair prices and greater choice for European consumers. It also helps ensure that the substantial capital backing to Air France has enabled the airline to get into financial trouble due to the coronavirus outbreak without unduly distorting competition in the domestic market. "