Italy Fines Ryanair Over Alleged Anti-Agency Practices

(MENAFN) Italy’s competition authority has levied a substantial penalty of €256 million ($302 million) against budget airline Ryanair, accusing the carrier of employing an "abusive strategy" that restricted travel agencies’ access to its services, according to a statement issued Tuesday.

The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) reported that Ryanair made it more complicated for agencies to purchase tickets through its website, a practice observed from April 2023 until at least April 2024.

The fine was imposed on Ryanair DAC and its parent company, Ryanair Holdings PLC.

"Following a complex investigation, the Authority found that Ryanair put in place an elaborate strategy affecting the ability of online and traditional travel agencies to purchase Ryanair flights on ryanair.com," the AGCM explained.

It further noted that the company’s approach "blocked, hindered or made such purchases more difficult and/or economically or technically burdensome" when combined with flights from other airlines or additional tourism and insurance services.

"Therefore, the Authority concluded that, at least until the integration of APIs, Ryanair’s conduct could and did in fact hinder travel agencies’ sales and affect OTAs’ ability to attract internet traffic," the statement added.

In response, Ryanair announced plans to challenge the ruling, calling it "legally flawed."

"Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, today (Tues, 23 Dec) instructed its lawyers to immediately appeal both the bizarre/unsound ruling and the €256m fine, unjustly levied by the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM)," the Irish airline said.

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