The European Commission has issued a Supplementary Statement of Objections to Lufthansa. This action ensures that Lufthansa restores access for Condor to feed traffic at Frankfurt Airport, as agreed in June 2024.
This step is part of the Commissions broader procedure against potential competition restrictions on transatlantic routes. The Commission suspects that the A++ transatlantic joint venture limits competition on the Frankfurt-New York route. Therefore, interim measures are required to enable Condor to continue its services.
In May 2013, the Commission accepted commitments from Lufthansa, United, and Air Canada to prevent competition restrictions for premium passengers on the Frankfurt-New York route. These commitments were legally binding for ten years.
On August 7, 2024, the Commission initiated an investigation into possible competition restrictions by the A++ transatlantic joint venture. On the same day, the Commission sent Lufthansa a statement of objections, drawing preliminary conclusions about the need for interim measures.
Despite previous agreements, Lufthansa terminated Condors access to feed traffic in 2020. This could force Condor to withdraw from the Frankfurt-New York route, worsening competition. Therefore, the Commission wants Lufthansa to reinstate the agreements with Condor.
Lufthansa and Condor had special agreements that allowed Condor access to Lufthansas short-haul flights, essential for Condor to feed its long-haul flights.