Norwegian Air’s acquisition of regional carrier Widerøe has been cleared by the country’s competition watchdog.
The Norwegian Competition Authority last month suggested that it might prohibit the acquisition.
It was concerned that the acquisition would “significantly weaken” competition in the market for air travel and a “thorough examination of the acquisition” was necessary.
However, in a ruling issued last night the authority said: “Following the responses from the parties, the Competition Authority has completed further analyses and concluded that there are not sufficient grounds for prohibiting the acquisition.”
Director general Tina Søreide said: “We have now concluded that the acquisition will not significantly impede effective competition in the Norwegian market for air travel.
“Consequently, the acquisition can now be implemented.”