Brazil’s competition authority has launched a formal investigation into two major airlines over allegations they may have been coordinating their ticket prices on domestic flights.
The Administrative Council for Economic Defense, known as CADE, announced Tuesday it has opened administrative proceedings against LATAM and Gol airlines following concerns about potential price coordination in Brazil’s domestic passenger aviation market.
The formal investigation stems from an initial inquiry that CADE’s general superintendence launched in 2023. Regulators used sophisticated data analysis techniques and discovered what they describe as a consistent pattern showing the two airlines’ pricing decisions appeared to be linked on major flight routes.
Both airlines will receive official notification and have the opportunity to mount their legal defense. CADE emphasized that launching this investigation does not constitute a final ruling on the matter.
Gol, which is owned by Abra Group, issued a statement denying any wrongdoing. The airline said it has “always championed free competition and pricing freedom.”
Chile-based LATAM similarly disputed CADE’s allegations, stating that competitive markets represent a “non-negotiable value” for their operations.
