Lufthansa Bailout Set to Trigger Turf War With Low-Cost Rivals

‘We are trying to take advantage of the situation’: Wizz CEO
Legacy carriers giving up airport slots could hasten shift

WATCH: Vestager says Lufthansa’s bailout will be a precedent for Air France-KLM and other airlines.Source: Bloomberg

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Christopher Jasper

June 1, 2020 at 4:00 AM UTC

Updated on

June 1, 2020 at 11:04 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Deutsche Lufthansa AG may have won its battle for state aid, but its surrender of airport slots to appease regulators heralds heightened conflict between European aviation’s old guard and low-cost challengers.

A rivalry that’s been simmering for years has been given fresh impetus by the coronavirus crisis, with former flag carriers falling back on government support as discounters including Ryanair Holdings Plc and Wizz Air Holdings Plc argue that the market alone should dictate who survives.