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The Biden administration has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the current state of air travel competition in the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice's Antitrust Division and the U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Thursday that they are conducting a "broad public inquiry into the state of competition" within the airline industry.
This inquiry will examine various aspects, including past airline mergers, airport access, ticket pricing strategies, and rewards programs. Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter stated, "With this inquiry, we hope to learn more from the businesses and travelers at the center of this essential industry." Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg added that their aim is "to identify and remove barriers to competition so that more Americans can access the opportunities that come with good, affordable air service."
A trade group representing major U.S. airlines criticized the timing of the inquiry as politically motivated due to its proximity to the presidential election. They argued that "the industry has never been more competitive," citing Department of Transportation data indicating historically low inflation-adjusted airfare prices. A spokesperson for Airlines for America expressed confidence in demonstrating this competitiveness using government data.
