Swissair keeps monopoly on flights from Geneva to Barcelona

Keystone

Swissair is to keep its monopoly on flights from Geneva to Barcelona following the government's rejection of an appeal by the discount carrier, Easyjet.

Federal law allows Swissair a monopoly on the lines it currently serves until 2008 at the latest.

However, for many European lines the monopoly will go when the bilateral accords with the European Union come into effect. That will probably happen next January.

In the meantime, the government can rescind Swissair’s monopoly on individual services with the award of compensation.

But the Federal Office of Justice said it could only lift a monopoly if the public interest was involved. It said the simple improvement of the timetable or reduced prices did not add up to a public interest case.

Until now, Easyjet has got round the law by offering two daily charter flights to Barcelona which provide an offer of accommodation as well as the flight.

Swissair operates a daily flight to Barcelona.

swissinfo with agencies