Fighting for fair competition: Condor, Lufthansa and Frankfurt-New York route
In the competitive world of commercial aviation, disputes between airlines and European Union regulations play a crucial role in ensuring a fair and balanced market. Recently, Lufthansa, Germany’s flagship airline, has come under scrutiny by the European Commission in a case involving the airline Condor.
The Conflict: Lufthansa and Condor’s Access
On January 10, 2025, the European Commission ordered Lufthansa to restore Condor’s access to its short-haul network. This access is essential for Condor to feed its route from Frankfurt to New York. The decision comes as an interim measure during an ongoing investigation into a joint venture between Lufthansa, United Airlines, and Air Canada, which might restrict competition on flights between Frankfurt-New York.
→ Lufthansa Group plans to hire some 10,000 new employees by 2025
Background of the Agreement
In June 2024, Lufthansa had reached an agreement with Condor to allow the latter to use its short-haul flights as feeders to and from Frankfurt. However, this agreement ceased in December 2024. According to the European Commission, the termination of this arrangement threatens the viability of Condor’s Frankfurt-New York route, a strategic connection for the airline.
Positions of the Parties
Condor the airline has expressed its support for the European Commission’s stance, emphasizing the importance of these measures to preserve competition and ensure its operational capacity on the mentioned route.
Lufthansa has challenged the Commission’s position, arguing that it does not share its interpretation of the facts. Furthermore, Lufthansa highlighted that in December 2024, a German court ruled in its favor, determining that it was not obligated to maintain special agreements with Condor. Instead, it stated that Condor, like any other airline, can make bookings on its feeder flights under standard international conditions.
The Role of the European Commission
The European Commission, as a market regulator, seeks to prevent anti-competitive practices that could harm consumers and smaller airlines. This case is part of its investigation into the impact of the collaboration between Lufthansa, United, and Air Canada on the transatlantic market. Specifically, the inquiry focuses on whether this joint venture might concentrate too much power on the Frankfurt-New York route, limiting passenger options and hindering the entry of competitors.
This case highlights the tension between major airlines and regulators, as well as the struggle of smaller companies to maintain their position in a market dominated by giants. It also underscores the importance of feeder networks in commercial aviation, which are essential for connecting long-haul flights with local and regional routes.
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