The Slovak competition authority (PMÚ) approved a merger on September 23, 2026, involving the acquisition of exclusive control by Pegasus Hava Taşımacılığı A.Ş. from Turkey over České aerolinie a.s. from the Czech Republic, part of the Smartwings group.

This merger primarily concerns the personal air transport sector. The PMÚ evaluated the activities of the participants, their operations in Slovakia and neighboring countries, and third-party objections regarding the merger, focusing on regular and charter air transport.

Pegasus operates regular flights from its main hub in Istanbul, providing services from Bratislava to Istanbul and Antalya. Smartwings, based in Bratislava, offers regular and charter flights, particularly to Turkish destinations.

The PMÚ assessed whether the activities of the merging parties overlap or could influence each other, particularly in the charter air transport segment, where Smartwings is a significant provider in Slovakia.

Despite Pegasus not currently operating charter flights from Slovakia, it sells flight capacity to travel agencies, which can serve as an alternative to charter aircraft rentals. The PMÚ found that Slovak travel agencies generally work with multiple charter capacity suppliers, allowing them to shift demand if supply is restricted or prices rise.

The PMÚ concluded that the merger would not significantly reduce effective competition in the market for selling charter capacity to travel agencies in Slovakia.

Particular attention was given to the Bratislava – Antalya route, where Pegasus's regular flights compete with Smartwings' charter services. The PMÚ noted that while Smartwings holds a significant position on this route, other major carriers also operate, ensuring competitive pressure.

Additionally, the PMÚ considered competition from Vienna Airport, which offers a range of regular and charter flights, further contributing to market competition.

After reviewing all evidence and information, the PMÚ concluded that the merger would not significantly disrupt effective competition and granted approval, which became legally binding on September 24, 2026.