Wizz Air under fire again: New investigation launched against Hungarian low-cost airline

The Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) has initiated a competition supervision procedure against one of Hungary’s most popular low-cost airlines, Wizz Air, for alleged unfair commercial practices. The GVH suspects that Wizz Air’s booking system violates the requirement of professional diligence and that essential information related to service fees is being withheld from consumers. Now, another investigation has been launched against the low-cost carrier.

Wizz Air fined HUF millions

József Váradi, CEO of Wizz Air. Photo: Wizz Air

As Daily News Hungary reported before, the GVH claims that Wizz Air failed to inform customers that certain “additional services” included in some of their packages could be purchased separately. Moreover, the airline is accused of engaging in misleading commercial communication regarding the key features of its automatic check-in service.

On Saturday, August 3rd, the GVH concluded its latest investigation into Wizz Air, resulting in the company being fined over HUF 307 million (EUR 772 thousand) for the aforementioned violations.

New investigation launched

Additionally, another investigation is currently underway, as Wizz Air is suspected of withholding important information from passengers, Világgazdaság reports.

The newly launched investigation focuses on two main allegations:

1. Wizz Air’s booking system likely fails to meet professional diligence standards, as it does not ensure predictability and reliability in the communication of service fees. There are instances where the prices for the same services vary depending on the device used (e.g., two different mobiles or a mobile and a desktop computer).
2. The airline is also suspected of concealing from consumers that the prices displayed on its website and app may not be valid throughout the entire booking process.

The initiation of the competition supervision procedure does not imply that the company has committed the alleged violations. The investigation aims to clarify the facts and prove the suspected infringement.

Photo: depositphotos.com

The standard duration for conducting such an investigation is three months, which can be extended twice, each time by up to two months if necessary. The GVH emphasises that, according to competition law, the period between requesting necessary data from the client and receiving the response does not count towards the investigation’s timeframe.

Competition authority continues to monitor the aviation market

In recent years, the GVH has closely monitored the domestic aviation market. In October 2022, the national competition authority conducted a comprehensive sweep analysis to examine whether the websites of airlines operating in Hungary, including low-cost carriers, and popular ticket comparison sites were using so-called dark patterns in their sales and advertising practices, Világgazdaság explains.

There has been a growing number of complaints and reports to the GVH regarding airline practices. In response to these increasing consumer alerts and market anomalies related to the operation of the aviation market, Csaba Balázs Rigó, the President of the GVH, has issued notices to the leaders of several airlines operating in the Hungarian market.

Fair competition and consumer protection

This ongoing vigilance by the GVH reflects its commitment to ensuring fair competition and protecting consumers from deceptive practices in the aviation sector. For tourists and locals alike, being aware of these developments can help in making informed decisions when choosing to fly with low-cost carriers like Wizz Air.

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• Wizz Air receives serious fine in Hungary for unfair commercial practice
• Wizz Air launches new direct flight from Budapest to Mediterranean paradise