Prague’s Václav Havel Airport taxi operations were compromised by a long-running illegal cartel between Taxi Praha s.r.o. and FIX, spol. s r.o. Petr Mlsna, President of the Office for the Protection of Competition, issued a final decision confirming that both companies unlawfully coordinated their business activities, price structures, and internal communications between 2019 and 2021.
The illegal agreement originated from a 2016 tender held by Letiště Praha to select two separate suppliers for the 2017 to 2021 period, an arrangement later extended through 2023. Airport authorities specifically chose two winners to foster healthy market competition and secure better pricing for travelers. Instead of competing, the two firms systematically eliminated rivalry by unifying service packages, fixing rates for passengers and drivers, sharing sensitive business data, and aligning visual branding across their websites, apps, and fleet vehicles.
Following a series of appeals and procedural reviews, the antitrust regulator adjusted the original penalties imposed in late 2025. Because FIX adhered to a formal settlement agreement and admitted wrongdoing, its fine was reduced to CZK 7,820,000 (approximately €313,000). Taxi Praha failed to maintain the settlement requirements, resulting in a distinct fine of CZK 950,000 (approximately €38,000). The final ruling firmly closes the regulatory investigation into the collusion.
