Latam Airlines, Gol Linhas Aéreas and Azul Linhas Aéreas have launched an investigation into Despegar, the parent company of Decolar in Brazil, over suspected irregularities in the sale of airline tickets.
The investigation focuses on the improper use of the “operator rate”, a discount offered exclusively to tour operators for the sale of complete packages. According to reports, Despegar allegedly applied this rate to direct ticket sales without informing customers.
According to the portal Valor Econômico, the scheme was identified in February, when Latam found an initial volume of 51 irregular reservations on the Despegar platform. According to the publication, the fraud involved withholding the discount granted by the airlines, while consumers paid the full amount for the tickets.
After Latam identified the problem, Gol and Azul also began a review of transactions carried out with Despegar. The scope of the investigation was expanded to assess the extent of the practice.
As an initial measure, the airlines requested an external audit. Furthermore, they do not rule out the possibility of canceling the concession of the “operator rate” to Despegar, depending on the results of the investigation.
Despegar denied having harmed consumers and attributed the case to a former employee who was allegedly trying to extort the company. In a statement, the company said it maintains “solid relations with airlines” and that it remains in constant to clarify any doubts.
The investigation comes shortly after Despegar was acquired by Prosus, the parent company of iFood, at the end of 2024. The transaction was valued at US$1,7 billion (R$9,63 billion).
