Italy’s antitrust authority has launched an investigation into airline fuel surcharges after receiving a complaint from consumer group Codacons regarding additional fees imposed on passengers who had already purchased tickets.
The investigation focuses on whether airlines violated European transparency rules by requesting fuel supplements after ticket sales were completed. Codacons reported collecting multiple consumer complaints about such requests, with some reaching up to 14 euros per ticket.
Spanish carrier Volotea was cited as a primary example in the complaint. The airline’s terms of carriage allow for fuel price adjustments under extraordinary market conditions, provided passengers are informed during the booking process and give consent before purchase.
Volotea’s policy states that any fuel-related price adjustments must be temporary, limited and calculated according to a methodology published on its website. The airline maintains that passengers are notified of potential fuel-based changes during reservation, enabling them to make informed decisions.
The Antitrust Authority (AGCM) has asked Codacons to compile all similar consumer reports to assess the broader impact of these practices. The probe comes amid broader concerns about rising air travel costs driven by jet fuel prices and ancillary service fees.
Consumer advocates argue that post-purchase fuel surcharges undermine pricing transparency and contradict EU regulations requiring final ticket prices to include all applicable costs and taxes at the time of purchase.
The investigation remains ongoing, with no conclusions reached regarding potential violations or penalties.
