A RULING from the European Commission on Airtours’ bid for First Choice could be made earlier than expected because of sweeping changes in Brussels.
European competition commissioner Karel van Miert, who presided over the two-day hearing last week, stands down on September 15. Sources say van Miert is likely to make a decision before leaving, three weeks earlier than expected.
At the behind-closed-doors hearing in Brussels, Airtours is believed to have told the EC that UK authorities would deal with any competition issues should they arise.
“Airtours does not think there will be a problem and assured the EC that the UK authorities will not let a dominant situation arise,” said a source.