Czech Competition Authority Grants Conditional Approval for Pegasus’ Acquisition of Smartwings

The Czech Competition Authority (ÚOHS) has granted conditional approval for Pegasus Airlines to acquire Czech Airlines and its subsidiary Smartwings. The authority required certain commitments to be fulfilled, particularly to preserve competition on the Prague-Antalya route following the acquisition.

In its review, ÚOHS assessed that the combined operations of Pegasus and Smartwings on the Prague-Antalya route during the summer season could result in a high market share. In response, Pegasus committed to transferring certain summer-season slots on the Prague-Antalya route to another airline. The authority approved the transaction, stating that this measure would facilitate access to the route for competing carriers.

Pegasus announced the agreement to acquire Czech Airlines and Smartwings in December 2025. The total value of the transaction, including the relevant companies and receivables, was set at EUR 154 million. Pegasus aims to expand its presence in Europe through the acquisition, while the Smartwings brand is expected to continue operating.

ÚOHS issued its decision on the acquisition at the end of August and made it public on September 11. However, the authority stated that the decision has not yet become final, as the appeal period has not expired.