Unfair air transport practices

Air transport monopolies
Airline monopolies
Air transport cartels
Collusion in the airline industry
Exploitation of international airline monopoly

Nature

Unfair air transport practices refer to actions by airlines or related entities that distort competition, harm consumers, or violate established regulations. These practices include predatory pricing, unjustified denial of boarding, misleading advertising, discriminatory treatment, and abuse of dominant market positions. Such conduct undermines fair market conditions, restricts consumer choice, and can lead to higher prices or reduced service quality. Regulatory bodies, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and national authorities, monitor and address these issues to ensure equitable, transparent, and competitive air transport markets, protecting both consumers and industry stakeholders from exploitative behavior.

Background

Unfair air transport practices emerged as a global concern in the mid-20th century, as international air travel expanded rapidly and competition intensified. The problem gained prominence with the establishment of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 1944, which sought to address discriminatory pricing, market access barriers, and predatory behavior. Subsequent decades saw increased scrutiny by governments and industry bodies, particularly as deregulation and globalization exposed persistent inequities affecting airlines and consumers worldwide.

Incidence

Under existing agreements, the number of airline seats between continental capital or regional airports is generally divided precisely between the national carriers. This cartel is enshrined by law, competition is restricted by governments, and one airline would never permit another to gain a bigger share of the custom. Price fixing between airlines with majority trade at certain airports is also practised.

In 1993 it was alleged that liberalization of the airline market in Europe had failed to increase competition and that practices enshrined a culture of collusion. All but 26 of scheduled routes linking airports in the EEC/EU were monopolies or duopolies. Concerns expressed included misuse of computerized reservation systems, frequent flyer programmes, unfair payments of commission to win business away from smaller airlines. Merger or alliances were likely to lead to further reductions in competition.

Claim

Unfair air transport practices are a serious and urgent problem that cannot be ignored. Passengers face hidden fees, arbitrary cancellations, and poor customer service, all while airlines prioritize profit over people. These practices erode trust, exploit travelers, and undermine the integrity of global travel. Immediate action and stricter regulations are essential to protect consumers and restore fairness in the industry. Ignoring this issue only empowers airlines to continue their exploitative behavior.

Counter-claim

Unfair air transport practices are vastly overstated as a problem. In reality, airlines operate under strict regulations, and most passengers experience safe, efficient service. Isolated incidents are sensationalized, distracting from more pressing global issues. The market naturally weeds out consistently poor performers, making government intervention unnecessary. Focusing on this so-called problem wastes resources and attention that could be better spent addressing truly significant challenges facing society today.