Ryanair, the Irish low-cost airline, has been fined €256 million (approximately £223 million) by Italy’s competition authority for engaging in practices that limit ticket sales through online travel agencies (OTAs). The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) announced the decision on December 23, 2025, stating that Ryanair had implemented a series of technical obstacles designed to hinder the ability of travel agencies to sell its tickets, thereby compelling customers to purchase directly from the airline’s website.
The AGCM’s investigation revealed that Ryanair employed an “elaborate strategy” that included various technical barriers, which made it increasingly difficult for OTAs to access and sell Ryanair tickets. This included restricting the availability of certain fare classes and imposing additional fees for bookings made through third-party platforms. The authority characterized these actions as an abuse of Ryanair’s dominant position in the market, which it argued undermined competition and limited consumer choice.
The fine represents one of the largest penalties imposed on a single airline by a European competition authority in recent years. The AGCM’s ruling underscores ongoing concerns about anti-competitive practices in the airline industry, particularly as the market continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic significantly altered travel patterns and consumer behavior, leading to increased scrutiny of how airlines operate in a rapidly changing environment.
Ryanair has stated that it intends to appeal the decision, arguing that its practices are in line with industry standards and that it has a right to promote sales through its own channels. The airline has long maintained that direct sales are essential for maintaining low fares, as they reduce distribution costs associated with third-party bookings. Ryanair’s business model relies heavily on direct sales, which it claims allows for lower ticket prices and greater control over customer service.
The implications of this ruling extend beyond Ryanair and Italy. The decision could set a precedent for how competition authorities across Europe regulate the practices of low-cost carriers and their interactions with OTAs. As the airline industry continues to evolve, regulators may increasingly focus on ensuring fair competition and protecting consumer interests. This ruling may prompt other airlines to reassess their sales strategies and relationships with travel agencies.
The AGCM’s decision also highlights the broader context of regulatory scrutiny faced by major airlines in Europe. In recent years, various competition authorities have investigated airlines for similar practices, particularly concerning pricing transparency and the treatment of third-party sellers. The European Commission has been actively working to ensure that competition remains robust in the airline sector, which is seen as vital for consumer choice and fair pricing.
Ryanair’s fine comes at a time when the airline industry is grappling with a host of challenges, including rising fuel costs, labor disputes, and ongoing geopolitical tensions that affect travel demand. The airline has been recovering from the pandemic’s impact, which saw a dramatic decline in passenger numbers and revenue. As travel demand rebounds, airlines are under pressure to balance profitability with competitive pricing, making the dynamics between direct sales and OTA partnerships increasingly critical.
In light of the AGCM’s ruling, Ryanair may face additional scrutiny from other European regulators, particularly if similar complaints arise from OTAs or consumers in other markets. The airline’s appeal process could take several months, during which time the company will need to navigate the complexities of regulatory compliance while maintaining its competitive edge in the low-cost travel sector.
The outcome of this case may influence not only Ryanair’s operational strategies but also the broader landscape of airline ticket sales in Europe. As competition authorities continue to monitor and regulate the practices of airlines, the balance between direct sales and OTA partnerships will remain a focal point in discussions about fair competition and consumer rights in the travel industry.
