Iberia airline fights for Spanish identity amid no-deal chaos

Iberia intends to fight to keep its “Spanish” character if the UK leaves the EU without a deal this March. In a No Deal Brexit scenario, airlines that do not have majority control of their companies in EU countries could lose the right to operate within it. IAG is the product of a merger between British Airways and Iberia that was finalised in 2011. British Airways shareholders have 55% ownership of the company. IAG and Iberia have been trying to negotiate with Brussels to be able to retain their flight permits within the EU. To do this the EU requires companies in the flight sector to prove they have at least 51% control in EU countries. IAG has tried to show that more than 50% of Iberia’s shares are in the hands of El Corte Ingles, which is Spain’s department store group. <br/>