Norway’s competition watchdog has warned that it might block Norwegian Air’s bid for domestic rival Wideroe, with competition authority director Tina Soereide citing a “real risk that competition in the market can be weakened”. This could lead to “higher ticket prices and a worse offering to passengers in Norway,” she elaborated.
Although both parties have expressed disappointment at the regulator’s preliminary decision, both believe a deal is still possible; explaining in a joint statement that “faced with an European aviation industry undergoing major change… even a combined Norwegian and Wideroe will become a small player in international context”.
The companies have until 8 December to respond to the regulator’s statement, and the competition authority has until 3 January 2024 to determine its final course of action.