Finnair Faces $8.8M Fine for Hindering Investigation on Hidden Fares

The Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA) has proposed a €7.6 million ($8.8 million) fine on Finnair, accusing the national carrier of repeatedly providing incomplete and inaccurate information during an investigation into how it limited the visibility of cheaper fares on online travel agencies.

An unannounced inspection (conducted in spring 2024) uncovered internal pricing documents that the FCCA says indicate serious non-compliance. The underlying investigation examines whether Finnair restricted the visibility of discounted fares on online travel agency platforms, potentially distorting fair competition in the digital marketplace.

Finnair disputes the FCCA’s allegations, calling the proposed penalty unjustified. The airline maintains that it discontinued the contested practices in mid-2023 following an agreement with the Swedish Competition Authority.

Because the Finnish state owns 56 percent of Finnair, the proposed fine means the government is seeking sanctions against a company it majority controls. Finnish law requires that state ownership in Finnair remain above 50 percent unless parliament grants permission for a reduction.

The procedural case remains ongoing, with a ruling expected from the Market Court.

FCCA noted that this marks the first time a fine has been proposed for procedural misconduct under Finnish competition law.

Finnair, meanwhile, recently reported its third-quarter 2025 financial results, highlighting strong demand across Asian routes but ongoing pressure in North Atlantic markets and disruptions caused by a series of industrial actions.

Check out our article on hotel rates to learn how travel prices are calculated, set, and applied.

Photo by Kevin Hackert on Unsplash