The Biden administration is launching an inquiry of competition in air travel [Video]

The Biden administration said Thursday it is launching a broad public inquiry on the state of competition in air travel, including the effect of mergers and joint ventures between airlines.

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

“Unfortunately, the timing of this ‘broad inquiry’, which was announced 12 days before a national election, suggests political motivations,” trade group Airlines for America said in a statement.

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

The airline industry …