UK Regulator Clears American Airlines and IAG’s Transatlantic Joint Venture

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has formally closed its investigation into the transatlantic partnership between American Airlines and International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways. The antitrust authority has approved a modified agreement to safeguard competition on key routes between the UK and the United States.

The new Atlantic Joint Business Agreement (JBA), which also includes Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Finnair, allows the carriers to coordinate schedules, pricing, and revenue-sharing on transatlantic flights. However, the deal has faced repeated regulatory scrutiny over concerns it could limit competition on certain high-traffic routes.

In March 2025, the five airlines submitted proposed remedies to address those concerns. These included offering valuable take-off and landing slots at London airports on routes to Boston, Miami, and Chicago—creating opportunities for rival airlines to enter or expand service.

The CMA reviewed the proposed measures through a public consultation and has now fully accepted them. As of August 6, 2025, the regulator officially ended its probe, clearing the way for the transatlantic partnership to continue under the agreed-upon conditions.

The approval maintains one of the world’s largest transatlantic airline alliances while ensuring market access for competing carriers.

In late July, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) approved the Blue Sky collaboration between United Airlines and JetBlue Airways.

Cover photo by Isaak Struna on Unsplash.