LONDON – Following a complaint by the Sicily branch of the consumer watchdog Codacons, Italy’s anti-trust regulator (Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato – AGCM) will open an enquiry into possible price-fixing on flights to and from Sicily by several airlines.
Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air have been named by the consumer group, and the Italian carrier ITA Airways has also been targeted.
easyJet has responded to the claims in a statement to Reuter, denying any wrongdoing:
“EasyJet strongly refutes these claims, adheres to relevant laws and regulations and will fully cooperate with the authorities to demonstrate it has always acted lawfully and competitively in the best interests of consumers,” the carrier has stated.
In its bulletin, Reuters reported that the consumer group Codacons alleged a collusion or cooperation in possible price distortions to and from Sicily during the Christmas holiday period; citing a “specific collusive will” by the subject airlines.
The Italian anti-trust authority will now investigate the allegations, and the investigation will reportedly conclude by December 31, 2023.
At the time of writing, the other named airlines including Ryanair and Wizz Air are yet to respond with a formal statement.
This is a continuing story. Check back for updates.
