The court of the European Union has dismissed claims against the takeover of Air Berlin parts and the Air Berlin subsidiary LGW by Easyjet and Lufthansa.
The Polish airline LOT had sued against corresponding approvals from the EU Commission at the end of 2017.
The judges in Luxembourg rejected the argument that the Brussels authority made mistakes in its decision and that the decisions should be annulled, as the court announced on Wednesday.
Appeals against the judgment can still be lodged with the ECJ.
(Cases T-296/18 and T-240/18)
Almost four years ago, the EU competition authorities approved the takeover of parts of the insolvent Air Berlin by Easyjet without any conditions. Air Berlin filed for bankruptcy in mid-August 2017 and ceased flight operations a few months later. In the case of mergers that are relevant across Europe, the EU Commission must examine whether there could be distortions of competition or disadvantages for consumers.
In the second case, the Commission approved the takeover of LGW by Lufthansa, subject to certain conditions.
Lufthansa originally wanted to take over a considerable part of Air Berlin's flight operations with its subsidiaries LGW and Niki.
However, the EU Commission expressed concerns that monopolies could arise on several routes.
According to the EU Commission, Lufthansa then waived part of the take-off and landing rights provided for in takeovers, especially at Düsseldorf Airport.