The EU Commission has cleared the last hurdle for Lufthansa's takeover of ITA Airways. With the approval of the proposed concessions by the German aviation group, there is nothing more standing in the way of the takeover. The transaction can now be finalized, the Commission announced.

Lufthansa had agreed to strengthen competitors like easyJet, International Airlines Group (IAG), and Air France-KLM through concessions. Thus, easyJet gains access to certain short-haul flights from Rome or Milan as well as takeoff and landing rights at Milan-Linate Airport. Long-haul connections are intended to benefit IAG, the parent company of British Airways and Iberia, as well as Air France.

As early as July, the EU Commission had conditionally approved the acquisition. However, the approval was tied to compliance with these conditions to ensure competition in the European aviation market. With the latest decision, the Brussels antitrust authorities have confirmed Lufthansa's compliance with the conditions.

The acquisition of ITA Airways marks an important step for Lufthansa to further expand its market position in Europe while simultaneously reorganizing access to Italian airports.