The Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC) is conducting an investigation into possible collusion among companies in the aerial services sector. This includes services related to fire prevention and extinction, medical transport, and search and rescue operations.

Between January 27 and 30, the CNMC inspected the premises of several companies in this sector, with assistance from regional competition authorities. These inspections are a preliminary step in the investigation and do not imply any presumption of guilt or the final outcome.

If evidence of prohibited practices is found during the inspections, a sanctioning procedure may be initiated. Agreements between competitors are considered a serious violation of competition law, potentially leading to fines of up to 10% of the companies' total turnover.

The CNMC prioritizes cartel investigations due to their significant impact on consumers and market functioning. The authority also has a leniency program that allows companies involved in a cartel to avoid fines if they provide evidence that aids in the detection of such practices.

Additionally, the CNMC has an online platform for anonymous reporting of anticompetitive practices, enabling citizens to report collusion, price-fixing, or market allocation agreements.