Norwegian argues competition regulator is shifting criteria in Wideroe tie-up probe

Scandinavian budget carrier Norwegian argues that the country’s competition regulator is shifting its criteria in its assessment of the airline’s proposed acquisition of regional operator Wideroe. Norwegian says it “strongly disagrees” with regulator Konkurransetilsynet which, in November, revealed it was considering blocking the acquisition over concerns that competition would be impaired. According to the budget airline, the regulator stated – two years ago – that two competing airlines are sufficient to ensure adequate competition on a specific route. “[The regulator] has moved away from these statements,” claims Norwegian, in a formal response to Konkurransetilsynet’s preliminary opinion. Norwegian says that is not a “close” competitor with Wideroe. Of more than 400 combined routes, only two overlap “in reality”, it insists. “These routes, which are currently served by three separate airlines, represent below 1% of Norwegian’s annual ticket sales,” it adds.<br/>