Finland's Competition and Consumer Authority has proposed a substantial €7.6 million penalty against national carrier Finnair. The regulatory body alleges the airline provided false, incomplete, and misleading information during competition law investigations.
The case centers on suspected anti-competitive practices involving online travel agencies. Authorities claim Finnair interfered with how travel agencies priced airline tickets on their platforms. This investigation represents a coordinated effort between Swedish and Finnish competition watchdogs.
Last spring, competition officials conducted surprise inspections at Finnair's offices. The evidence against the airline primarily comes from materials collected during these unannounced visits. Regulators describe the alleged violation as extensive and serious in nature.
Timo Mattila, the director general of the Competition and Consumer Authority, expressed strong concerns about Finnair's cooperation. He stated that the airline's actions complicated and delayed the investigation process. Mattila emphasized that efficient regulatory work requires companies to act carefully and provide accurate, comprehensive information.
The proposed penalty amounts to 0.25 percent of Finnair's turnover from last year. While the authority has recommended this fine, the final decision rests with Finland's Market Court.
Finnair has strongly rejected the allegations. The company maintains it acted transparently throughout the investigations. Finnair denies providing incomplete or misleading information to regulators.
The airline argues the entire investigation is unnecessary. Company officials note they discontinued the practices in question two years ago across all countries. Finnair suggests the situation resulted from misunderstandings that could have been avoided with more thorough investigation by authorities.
This case highlights the increasing scrutiny European competition authorities are applying to airline industry practices. Similar investigations have occurred across the Nordic region as regulators work to ensure fair competition in travel markets.
Finnair faces significant financial pressure as it continues recovering from pandemic-related travel restrictions. The proposed penalty comes during a challenging period for the aviation industry. Airlines worldwide are navigating rising fuel costs and changing travel patterns.
The airline has stated it will respond to the penalty proposal in the Market Court when appropriate. Legal experts suggest such cases typically take months or years to resolve through Finland's court system.
For international travelers and investors, this development raises questions about corporate governance standards at Nordic airlines. The case demonstrates how regional competition authorities are taking aggressive stances against perceived market manipulation.
Finnair's response will be closely watched by other carriers operating in Nordic markets. The outcome could influence how airlines interact with travel distribution channels across Scandinavia.