EU sets provision antitrust deadline for British Airways/Iberia merger of 15-Jul-2010

European Commission has set a provisional antitrust deadline of 15-Jul-2010 regarding the planned merger between British Airways and Iberia (Dow Jones, 12-Jun-2010). The EC is reportedly concerned that the agreement may create monopolies on certain routes, including services between London and Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga. The EC is also reportedly concerned about competition on approximately 20 indirect routes and the likelihood of passengers being willing to substitute near-by airports with one another.