Biden admin launching investigation into air travel competition [Video]

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration said Thursday it is launching a broad investigation into the state of competition in air travel, including the effect of mergers and joint ventures between airlines.

The investigation is being handled by the Justice Department’s antitrust division and the Transportation Department.

The administration has successfully blocked three airline deals in the past four years, and President Joe Biden has criticized airlines for charging “junk fees.”

However, the timing of the Thursday’s announcement — less than three months before Biden leaves office, and with the race to succeed considered a toss-up — casts uncertainty over the fate of the investigation.

Four airlines dominate the U.S. airline industry — United, Delta, American and Southwest. They are the product of mergers that eliminated several …