Low cost airlines Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air have been named as part of an inquiry by Italy’s antitrust regulator into possible price-fixing for flights in and out of Sicily.
The investigation follows a complaint by consumer group Codacons, which alleged “a specific collusive will” of airlines to raise prices for domestic flights to and from Sicily during the Christmas holidays, Reuters cited the regulator as saying in its weekly bulletin.
The complaint also targeted state-owned ITA Airways, the successor of former flagship carrier Alitalia, it added.
In a statement, easyJet denied 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,” it said.
The cost of flights is particularly sensitive in Sicily, whose many natives who live and work in northern or central Italy typically wish to travel back to the island to spend Christmas with family and friends.
The antitrust authority said its inquiry would conclude by December 31, 2023.
Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com
