Ryanair submits price-fixing complaint

Ryanair today announced that it has submitted a complaint to the European Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes regarding what the budget airline alleges is an example of price-fixing by Lufthansa, Swiss, KLM and Air France.

"In a six-hour period on September 25, four airlines which account for some 30% of the European short haul market, Lufthansa, Swiss, KLM and Air France all increased their fuel surcharges by another €5 to as high as €70 per seat,” according to Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary.

"This latest increase in fuel surcharges highlights the lack of competition between the European mega-carriers.

"Ryanair’s no fuel surcharge guarantee has delivered record growth from Northern Germany, where we offer the lowest fares on 18 routes from Bremen and on seven routes from Hamburg Lubeck."

Last month, British Airways was fined by the British and American Governments for price-fixing.

Ryanair also announced that it is releasing 200,000 €5 seats (including taxes) from Bremen and Hamburg Lubeck.