Italy’s competition authority has fined Ryanair €255 million, accusing the low-cost carrier of abusing its dominant market position to restrict travel agencies’ ability to sell its flights, Reuters reports via Agerpres.
Authorities argue that Ryanair made it technically or economically more difficult for agencies to offer its tickets alongside other airlines or travel services.
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They also criticized the airline’s initial introduction of facial recognition procedures, the blocking of payments from online travel agencies (OTAs), and the later requirement for partnership agreements that limited agencies’ capacity to include Ryanair flights in travel packages.
“Its dominant position derives not only from its significant and growing market share, but also from numerous other indicators that have allowed Ryanair to obtain substantial market power, and limit competitors’ and consumers’ ability to act independently,” stated Italy’s competition authority.
The investigation covered April 2023 to April 2025, and Ryanair representatives said the company will appeal and disputes the allegations.
Photo: Bloomberg
