Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 November 2025
261. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with airlines in relation to the sharp increases in flight prices coinciding with major events such as football matches, music concerts, and other large-scale gatherings; and the measures his Department is taking to protect consumers from excessive or opportunistic pricing during such periods. [67207/25]
View answerUnder European Union Regulation 1008/2008 on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community, airlines have full pricing freedom in relation to setting air fares for intra-Community air services and other related services such as baggage.
The Regulation requires that air fares be transparent i.e. that passengers booking a flight must be aware of the final price of a flight including any supplemental elements selected by the passenger, at all times during the booking process.
Within this framework airlines regularly take into account various operational realities in setting these fares and charges over time, for example flights at peak times or with short advance bookings may attract higher prices which is an industry norm.
