Market concentration, higher prices and a mounting tally of customer complaints are fuelling a
In a release Monday, the regulator said two carriers continue to dominate the skies while new airlines seem to struggle to enter the market. Domestic fares also appear "relatively high" and more and more passengers are filing complaints, it said.
The backlog of customer complaints about airlines has hit a record high topping 72,000, according to the
The bureau's review, which will draw on feedback from the public and interested parties, looks to pave the way for recommendations to government that would "make it easier for new businesses to compete and easier for consumers to make informed choices."
First announced on
"Since the Canadian population is spread out over vast distances, other modes of transportation may not be feasible replacements for air travel. More competition in the industry will mean lower prices, better services, and improved productivity," Boswell said in the release.
Over the past 13 months, newer low-cost carriers Swoop and
Meanwhile,
The diminishing set of operators coincides with a six per cent decrease in domestic flight volume between
While big cities remain amply served, smaller ones have fewer options, which can also result in higher prices and, when things go awry, stranded passengers.
Over the past five years, the
The latest study is not an investigation into specific allegations of wrongdoing, the
"However, if the bureau finds evidence that someone may be doing something against the law, we will investigate and take appropriate action," the regulator said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published
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