Any move to take firmer control of airlines and stop locals being ‘ripped off’, would be difficult, the newly elected chairman of the Office of Fair Trading has admitted.
Bill Henderson was speaking in the House of Keys after South Douglas MHK Bill Malarkey raised the issue of a family, who were forced to pay an additional £400, on top of their initial costs, to switch flights after a connecting plane was delayed.
Mr Malarkey wanted to know what powers the OFT has to prevent airlines charging what he called ‘exorbitant’ prices when Island passengers are forced to change their flight times due to circumstances outside their control.
Mr Henderson says the fact government can help airlines with reduced landing fees and charges, doesn’t mean the OFT can expect favours in return (audio file attached):
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