WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Groups representing major airlines on Friday criticized the Biden administration's broad public inquiry into the state of competition in air travel, saying the review could dramatically impact the future of U.S. aviation.

Airlines for America, the International Air Transport Association and other air carrier groups urged the Justice Department's Antitrust Division to extend the public comment period for another 60 days beyond the current Dec. 23 deadline.

The groups said the government "should not rush the collection of information about the highly competitive air transportation marketplace, pull resources from high-tempo operations during the holiday season, or fail to collect the necessary information."