23.12.2025 17:31
The Italian Competition Authority has fined Ryanair, which holds a strong position in the European passenger air transport market, €255.7 million for violating competition rules. The authority reported that the company's practices towards travel agencies distorted competition in the market and narrowed consumer choices.
The Italian Competition Authority (Antitrust-AGCM) has imposed a fine of 255.7 million euros on the Ireland-based low-cost airline Ryanair for abusing its dominant position in the passenger air transport market in Italy and Europe.
TWO-YEAR PERIOD UNDER SCRUTINY
In a written statement from the antitrust authority, it was noted that Ryanair DAC and its parent company Ryanair Holdings plc were found to have abused their dominant position in the European passenger transport market during the period from April 2023 to April 2025.
NEARLY 13 BILLION TL EQUIVALENT
In this context, the company was fined 255 million 761 thousand 692 euros. This amount corresponds to approximately 12,908,100,000 TL at the current Euro exchange rate in Turkey, which is difficult to even read...
The statement indicated that a detailed investigation revealed that Ryanair implemented a complex strategy that affected the ability of online and traditional travel agencies to purchase flights through "ryanair.com." The authority emphasized that these practices directly targeted the activities of the agencies.
COMPETITION AND CONSUMER RIGHTS UNDERMINED
It was stated that Ryanair obstructed, complicated, or made the purchases economically and technically more burdensome. This situation weakened the competitive power of travel agencies; indirectly, it was noted that it reduced the quality and diversity of tourism services offered to consumers.
RYANAIR'S STRONG REACTION
According to reports in the Italian press, Ryanair described the decision of the Italian Competition Authority as "strange and unfounded." The company is reported to be preparing to appeal the imposed fine urgently.