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The European airline industry has undergone significant consolidation in recent decades, culminating in high-profile takeovers such as Lufthansa’s acquisition of Italy’s ITA Airways. While liberalisation efforts have historically enhanced competition, connectivity and affordability, the growing dominance of major airline groups threatens to undo these gains. This paper critically examines the European Commission’s approach to regulating airline mergers, analysing its reliance on remedy packages and the challenges in maintaining competitive markets. Despite the Commission’s measures, concerns persist regarding reduced consumer choice, higher prices and diminished service quality. Case studies of blocked and approved mergers highlight the complexities in balancing competition with industry sustainability. The paper also explores alternative strategies to promote fairer market dynamics while addressing the economic realities facing smaller carriers. Ultimately, it calls for a continued rigorous scrutiny of mergers, with improved market definition criteria and more effective remedies to ensure a competitive and consumer-friendly aviation sector in Europe.  Keywords: airline mergers, competition law, consumer choice, market consolidation

The Great Airline Merge-Off: How Europe’s Skies are Becoming Less Competition-friendly