The Biden administration has announced a comprehensive investigation into the state of competition in the air travel industry, focusing on the impact of mergers and joint ventures among airlines. This investigation, led by the Justice Department's antitrust division and the Transportation Department, comes in the wake of the administration's previous efforts to block three airline deals in the last four years. President Joe Biden has been vocal in his criticism of airlines for imposing what he refers to as 'junk fees' on passengers.
The timing of this inquiry, however, has raised questions, as it was unveiled less than three months before Biden's term ends and amidst a closely contested race to succeed him. The trade group Airlines for America has expressed concerns about potential political motivations behind the investigation.
