The CMA issued an initial enforcement order earlier this month stating it had “reasonable grounds” to suspect the deal would result in the two companies’ assets ceasing to be “distinct”.
On Monday (October 29), the watchdog confirmed its investigations had progressed to a full merger inquiry.
In August, CityJet announced plans to “join forces” with IAG-owned Aer Lingus. The deal would see CityJet relinquish its Dublin-London City airport route and instead fly six week day return services on behalf of Aer Lingus and a reduced weekend service using two of CityJet’s Avro RJ85 aircraft in Aer Lingus livery.
