Ireland and its largest airport, Dublin, have long punched above their weight in aviation terms.
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The EC also said it analysed whether there was a risk IAG would prevent passengers on Aer Lingus’ short-haul flights from connecting with long-haul services operated by competing airlines. The airline mix at Dublin is rounded out by regional airlines CityJet and Flybe, in addition to fast-growing global super-connectors Emirates, Etihad and Turkish Airlines.
The Commission also insisted that Aer Lingus must continue to accept rival airlines’ connecting passengers at Amsterdam, Dublin, Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester and Shannon.
“The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Irish airline Aer Lingus by global Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG)”, it said.
Aer Lingus shareholders will meet on Thursday, July 16, to approve the deal, but it is expected to be a formality.
It had expressed concerns that the takeover would lead to insufficient competition.
Formed in January 2011, IAG is the parent company of British Airways, Iberia and Vueling.
“These commitments adequately address all competition concerns identified by the Commission”. The 5m passengers travelling each year from Dublin and Belfast to London will be able to choose among several strong carriers.
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IAG’s plan to buy Aer Lingus and build a new transatlantic hub at Dublin airport won the support last week of Ryanair, which holds a 30pc stake in its rival, after convincing the Irish government to sell its 25pc stake in May.
