European govts weigh if it’s time to let some airlines disappear

Many European airlines spent much of the past two decades asking govts to leave the airline industry. Now, many are begging for help, and most will get it, even if all may not deserve saving. It is different than in the US. The US govt is bailing out airlines because the country needs a robust transportation network, but if one carrier doesn’t make it, life will go on. Other airlines, perhaps even new ones, will fill gaps. In Europe, bailout discussion is more fraught. In this crisis, govts are not always thinking about how much capacity markets need, but instead about national pride. Regardless of market conditions, lawmakers may not want to see national airlines go bust, for reasons of politics, nostalgia, and even national security. <br/>