- IAG would consider a bid for easyJet under suitable conditions.
- Current EU mergers and acquisitions rules create barriers.
- Luis Gallego stressed the need for greater industry consolidation.
- IAG controls British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling.
- The group abandoned full ownership of Air Europa in 2024.
IAG has confirmed it would explore opportunities including a potential bid for easyJet but current EU merger rules make such a deal ‘very difficult.’ Chief executive Luis Gallego highlighted the need for greater consolidation in European aviation to achieve scale and efficiency. The comments follow speculation around a possible offer from US fund Castlelake.
IAG owns Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and LEVEL. The group previously abandoned full acquisition of Air Europa due to European Commission requirements. Gallego called for EU authorities to adopt a more open approach to airline mergers.
Luis Gallego shared “We are open to everything, not only easyJet. We understand that aviation must consolidate in order to be more efficient. They need to understand that we need scale. In Europe, if we want to compete, if we want to have a scale to compete in the world, I think, we need more consolidation.”
