Ryanair fined €256m over ‘abusive strategy’ to limit ticket sales by online travel agencies
NegativeFinancial Markets
- Ryanair has been fined €256 million by Italy's competition authority for employing an abusive strategy that limited ticket sales through online travel agencies, forcing customers to purchase tickets exclusively via its own website. This decision highlights the airline's efforts to maintain control over its sales channels at the expense of competition.
- The fine reflects the regulatory scrutiny Ryanair faces as it navigates its dominant position in the European airline market. Such penalties can impact the airline's financial performance and reputation, potentially leading to changes in its sales practices.
- This incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding market dominance and fair competition in the airline industry, particularly as Ryanair has previously faced criticism for its customer service and operational practices, including the recent closure of its frequent flyers club due to customer exploitation of discounts.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System
