Ryanair Holdings PLC (LSE:RYA) has expressed interest in purchasing Spanish airport slots owned by International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (LSE:IAG).
Ahead of the British Airways owner’s plan to buy out the remaining 80% of Spanish carrier Air Europa, IAG may have to give up slots at several Spanish airports to get the deal approved, according to reports.
“We are interested in the possible liberation of slots in different airports,” Ryanair communication manager Elena Cabrera told local newspaper Cinco Dias on Monday.
“We are following the process,” she confirmed, adding the Irish airline was eyeing slots in Madrid, as well as the Canary and Balearic Islands.
IAG agreed to buy the remaining 80% of Air Europa shares which it does not own in February for €400mln (£344mln), but is waiting on anti-trust clearance by the European Commission.
“The truth is that we are open to any opportunity as we are in growth phase in Spain,” Cabrera added.
Ryanair shares were trading 0.2% higher on Tuesday at €16.92.