EasyJet is continuing discussions to acquire up to 25 aircraft from bankrupt Air Berlin.
A successful deal would see the UK budget carrier operate the Airbus A320s from Berlin Tegel airport.
EasyJet, which currently flies from Berlin’s Schoenefeld airport, said last month that it had bid for parts of the German airline’s short haul business.
The carrier confirmed on Friday that negotiations are continuing with the overseers of Air Berlin’s insolvency regarding a potential acquisition of part of the operations at Tegel.
“If agreement is reached, and subject to obtaining all required regulatory approvals, the transaction would result in easyJet operating up to 25 A320 aircraft at Berlin Tegel airport,” EasyJet said.
“EasyJet will provide a further update in due course if and when appropriate.”
Air Berlin filed for administration in August after major shareholder Etihad Airways withdrew funding following years of losses. All flights are due to be grounded from October 28.
Lufthansa signed a €210 million deal on Thursday to take over Air Berlin units Niki and LG Walter, plus some short-haul aircraft, to cement its position in Germany and expand its Eurowings budget brand.
But Willie Walsh, chief executive of British Airways parent International airlines Group, said on Friday he saw “significant” competition concerns with the deal, which would see Lufthansa taking on around 80 of Air Berlin’s 130 aircraft.