Following an in-depth investigation, the Competition & Markets Authority has blocked Sabre’s proposed takeover of Farelogix.

The government body argued the deal could result in less innovation in their services, leading to fewer new features that may be released more slowly.

Fees for certain products might also go up.

As a result, airlines, travel agents and UK passengers would be worse off.

The move had been expected, after the CMA raised concerns on a number of occasions.

Martin Coleman, chair of the CMA inquiry group, said: “The products and services that Sabre and Farelogix provide ultimately affect many passengers flying in and out of the UK.

“The two companies are helping drive technological change in this industry and we are concerned that the merger will see airlines and their UK passengers miss out on the benefits from continued innovation.”

He added: “We recognise that our decision in this inquiry comes at a time of uncertainty and disruption in the global travel industry due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It remains important that we protect competition among businesses that provide services to airlines and the benefits such competition can bring for airlines and passengers.

“We never take decisions to block mergers lightly and in this case the evidence of harm is clear.”

Among other products and services, Sabre and Farelogix supply software solutions which help airlines to sell flights via travel agents including those that operate online.

Their solutions enable airlines to create add-ons to tickets sold through travel agents such as seats with extra leg room, Wi-Fi and meals.

Additionally, the two companies offer services to help airlines connect with passengers via travel agents.

Farelogix has developed technology that allows airlines to offer more choice to passengers who purchase tickets from travel agents by way of customising their flight experience through, for example, booking specific meals or seats with extra leg room.

Sabre does not currently offer this new technology but is investing in developing it.

If Sabre were to buy Farelogix it will be unlikely to develop the technology itself.

Airlines, and ultimately their passengers, will lose out from both this lack of innovation and the insufficient competition between the remaining companies in the market.

The US department of justice carried out a separate review and took Sabre and Farelogix to court to block the merger on the basis of concerns in one of the two areas where the CMA has found problems.

On April 7th, the US district court of Delaware decided to clear the deal, with the department of justice free to appeal that decision.

Reacting to the decision, Kristin Hays, vice president of global communications for Sabre, said: “We are disappointed by the Competition & Markets Authority’s findings, particularly in light of the United States federal court’s ruling, which found that Sabre’s acquisition of Farelogix is not anti-competitive and should not be prohibited.

“We are reviewing the CMA’s findings and will carefully consider our options.”