The green light from European authorities for the airline merger of South Korea’s big two carriers is set for another delay.
Korean Air and Asiana requested extra time from EU antitrust authorities.
The airlines have work to do to appease regulators over various areas of concern.
They relate to monopoly issues on routes to Europe for both passenger and cargo flights.
They include flights to Paris, Frankfurt, Rome and Barcelona.
“We have asked for a deadline extension and the EC accepted the request,” Korean Air said.
“The company will do its best to come up with measures that can address their antitrust concerns.”
It is the second time the EU has delayed a decision on the Korean Air-Asiana airline merger.
They will likely get an extra two months to respond to competition concerns.
The airline merger has received approval from 11 countries and territories out of 14 it flies to.
“We are in this 100%, we will make it happen regardless of what we have to give up,” Korean Air CEO Walter Cho said.
