Ryanair fined €255 million in Italy for abuse of market power

Italy’s competition authority has fined Ryanair €255 million after finding that the airline abused its dominant position by obstructing the sale of its tickets through travel agencies. The penalty, imposed by the Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM), follows a long-running investigation into Ryanair’s industrial practices within the Italian market.

The watchdog concluded that Ryanair deliberately limited the power of each online and traditional travel agencies to sell its flights, thereby restricting competition and reducing consumer alternative. The decision represents one among the most important fines ever imposed on an airline by the Italian regulator.

What the Regulator Found

A method designed to exclude intermediaries

According to the AGCM, Ryanair implemented a fancy strategy geared toward discouraging or stopping travel agencies from offering its tickets. The conduct, which began in April 2023 and continued until a minimum of April 2025, included technical and contractual measures that made it increasingly difficult for agencies to operate.

These measures included blocking or cancelling bookings made by agencies, limiting accepted payment methods when tickets were sold through intermediaries, and requiring agencies to sign restrictive agreements as a way to access Ryanair’s fares. The regulator found that these practices weren’t isolated incidents but a part of a scientific approach.

The AGCM ruled that Ryanair’s behaviour harmed competition by weakening the role of travel agencies, which frequently bundle flights with accommodation, insurance and other services.

Impact on the Italian Travel Market

Reduced competition and fewer options for consumers

Italy’s competition authority concluded that Ryanair’s actions had a big negative effect on the travel market. By restricting agencies’ access to its flights, the airline reduced the power of consumers to check offers and buy travel packages tailored to their needs.

The regulator noted that many consumers depend on agencies, particularly for complex itineraries or combined travel products. Limiting access to Ryanair flights, one among the most important carriers in Italy, was found to distort competition in downstream markets corresponding to package holidays and company travel.

The AGCM stated that the conduct ultimately benefited Ryanair’s direct sales model on the expense of competitors and consumers.

Ryanair’s Response

Airline rejects ruling and plans to appeal

Ryanair has strongly criticised the choice and announced its intention to appeal the superb. The airline argued that its direct-sales model is lawful and advantages consumers by offering lower fares and greater transparency.

In statements reported by international media, Ryanair said it doesn’t prevent agencies from selling its tickets but insists on safeguards to guard customers from overcharging and unauthorised mark-ups. The airline has previously accused some intermediaries of adding fees without passengers’ knowledge.

Ryanair described the AGCM’s findings as flawed and disproportionate, maintaining that the superb is unjustified.

Legal Basis for the Fine

Abuse of dominant position under EU and Italian law

The €255 million penalty was imposed for abuse of a dominant market position, a violation of each Italian competition law and EU competition rules. The AGCM determined that Ryanair holds a position of serious market power in Italy, particularly on domestic and short-haul European routes.

The regulator stated that dominant firms are subject to stricter obligations and must not engage in conduct that excludes competitors or restricts market access. Ryanair’s practices were found to breach these principles.

The superb applies to each Ryanair DAC and its parent company, Ryanair Holdings plc.

Broader Implications for the Airline Industry

Increased scrutiny of distribution models

The ruling is more likely to have wider implications for the airline industry, where tensions between carriers and travel agencies have intensified lately. Many airlines have sought to push customers towards direct bookings, citing cost savings and data control.

Competition authorities across Europe have increasingly examined whether such strategies cross the road into anti-competitive behaviour. The Italian decision signals a willingness by regulators to intervene when dominant airlines restrict access to key distribution channels.

Industry analysts say the case could influence future enforcement actions in other EU member states.

Key Points at a Glance

• Italy has fined Ryanair €255 million for abuse of dominant position
• The airline was found to have obstructed ticket sales through travel agencies
• The conduct occurred between April 2023 and April 2025
• Ryanair has rejected the ruling and plans to appeal
• The decision may affect airline distribution practices across Europe

What Comes Next

Appeal proceedings and compliance measures

Ryanair is predicted to challenge the superb through the courts, a process that would take years. In the meantime, the AGCM has ordered the airline to stop the contested practices and ensure fair access for travel agencies.

The consequence of the appeal will probably be closely watched by airlines, agencies and regulators alike, as it might help define the bounds of how far carriers can go in controlling the sale of their tickets in Europe’s highly competitive aviation market.