Brussels - European Union regulators on Monday approved plans by German carrier Lufthansa to buy the Belgium's SN Brussels Airlines, but set conditions.

Because of competition concerns Lufthansa has agreed to make slots available to other airlines on four routes to Germany and Switzerland from Brussels, the EU Commission said in a statement.

The Commission, which regulates competition in the 27-member EU, has been examining the proposed 250-million-euro (347 billion dollars) acquisition since January.

Under the deal, Lufthansa will acquire a 45 per cent stake in SN Airholding (SNAH), the holding company of Brussels Airlines, with an option on the remaining 55 per cent from 2011.

The four routes on which Lufthansa agreed to open slots to competitors are from Brussels to Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg and Zurich.

"The comprehensive remedies package offered by Lufthansa will facilitate market entry on the affected routes and thereby create alternative choices for passengers," said EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes.

Lufthansa, which has hubs at Frankfurt and Munich airports, also controls Swiss, based at Zurich airport, Air Dolomiti, Eurowings and low-cost carrier Germanwings.

The German carrier said it hoped to close the deal with SN Brussels Airlines by the end of June. (dpa)