Fifa fears problems with airlines might make foreign fans stay away

South Africa's tourism minister has called for an inquiry into air-ticket fares, amid claims carriers intended to hike prices for the football World Cup.

Marthinus van Schalkwyk said pricing policies lacked transparency and too often contained hidden taxes and fees.

He said the ministry of trade and industry would be making a further statement in the coming weeks.

Football governing body Fifa is worried that many foreign fans are finding it too difficult to get to South Africa.

But Fifa's concern has focused on the availability of flights from Europe and elsewhere, rather than the pricing.

'Unfair practices'

It is thought the government's inquiry will target the local airlines, some of which are already being investigated over claims they were trying to fix prices for the World Cup.

The airlines being investigated in the price-fixing inquiry are: Comair, South African Airways (SAA), 1time, Airlink, SA Express and Mango.

All of the airlines have denied the allegations except for SAA, which has agreed to provide the Competition Commission with evidence against the other airlines.

SAA has already provided e-mail correspondence between the airlines, which allegedly backs up the charges of price-fixing.

"This matter has been brought to the fore as a result of questions about airline ticket prices during the World Cup later this year," said Mr van Schalwyk.

"But it is also vital that we investigate it in the context of our tourism industry's long-term sustainability and growth."

He said passengers had a right to know what they were paying for.

"We should investigate airline pricing structures and the range of surcharges levied, in order to determine the transparency with which ticket prices are quoted, and whether any unfair practices are taking place."