Overview
- Italy’s antitrust regulator said that from April 2023 to at least April 2025 Ryanair used technical and contractual measures that impeded agencies from buying and bundling its flights.
- The investigation cited facial‑recognition checks for third‑party purchasers, intermittent blocks on OTA payments and accounts, and partnership terms that restricted combined offers.
- AGCM concluded the conduct reduced competition for travel packages and highlighted Ryanair’s substantial Italian market share as evidence of a dominant position.
- Ryanair called the decision legally flawed, argued its direct sales keep fares low for consumers, and pointed to a favorable Milan court precedent.
- The authority noted an April 2025 API and white‑label option that could restore access if effectively implemented, with the dispute now moving into the appeals process.