Australian watchdog body charges Emirates with cargo price-fixing

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), an independent regulatory body, has accused Emirates Airline of conspiring to fix cargo rates and fuel surcharges on international flights from 2002 to 2006. The regulator has also initiated legal action against the Dubai-based carrier, which will include imposition of financial penalties.

Emirates has denied the charges and said it would defend itself in Australian courts. Court proceedings are expected to commence in Sydney next month.

Emirates now becomes the ninth carrier to face charges related to cargo price-fixing from ACCC. The regulator has earlier asked six carriers, including Australian Qantas, to pay penalties.

"Emirates entered into arrangements or understandings with other international air cargo carriers that had the purpose and effect of fixing the price of certain fuel surcharges, security surcharges and rates," ACCC said. "The ACCC alleges that the arrangements or understandings were reached in countries including Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates and India."