BERLIN (Reuters) – A wave of consolidation among European airlines is creating pressure on the region’s airports because it gives carriers more negotiating power over their hubs, the head of airports association ACI Europe told Reuters.

European airlines have had a turbulent year. Monarch, Air Berlin and Alitalia have entered administration after struggling to compete as air fares fell.

Lufthansa and easyJet are scooping up Air Berlin’s assets and have also both made bids for some Alitalia operations. Meanwhile British Airways has acquired collapsed Monarch’s valuable Gatwick slots.

Read more: http://www.euronews.com/2017/12/12/airline-consolidation-creates-pressures-for-europes-airports