EasyJet’s takeover and airBaltic’s restructuring headline a period of change as European airlines adapt to new competitive, financial and capacity pressures.
UK-based EasyJet will end operations at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) in England after Jan. 5, 2027, withdrawing from five routes despite expanding capacity at the airport during summer 2026.
EasyJet and Apollo Global Management have reached agreement on a £5.7 billion ($7.7 billion) deal to buy the UK LCC, after rival bidder Castlelake walked away.
EasyJet has extended Castlelake’s takeover bid deadline, meaning the would-be investor and rival bidder Apollo now both have until Aug. 7 to make a firm bid or walk away.
Higher fuel prices and weaker booking trends have driven a 70% fall in EasyJet’s third-quarter profit, as an EU review of airline ownership rules creates uncertainty over Apollo’s proposed takeover.
Apollo proposes a higher bid for EasyJet, raising questions about its future strategy and potential impact on European maintenance and fleet operations.
The battle for EasyJet has intensified after U.S. private equity firm Apollo Global Management eclipsed rival bidder Castlelake with a $7.6 billion proposal.
Europe's top three LCC groups have seen available seats rising exponentially in direct correspondence with the introduction of higher-density new generation aircraft.
EasyJet will let Castlelake access its books in the hope of attracting a higher offer from the U.S. investment firm, which saw its fourth takeover bid knocked back.
EasyJet has rejected a third bid by Castlelake to acquire its share capital at £6.25, an offer the UK-based LCC said was an attempt to acquire it “on the cheap”.
If Airbus does choose to develop a stretched version of the A220, it may come too late for Air France-KLM, according to the airline group's CEO Ben Smith.
