Summary
- Italian Competition authority (AGCM) fines Ryanair €1.34 million for obstructing a market abuse investigation.
- Ryanair provided misleading and incomplete data about its business practices toward travel agencies.
- The investigation focused on whether Ryanair restricted ticket sales through agencies to favor direct channels.
- The airline was found to have engaged in ”serious negligence” and disseminated false information about travel agencies.
- Ryanair faces multiple disputes across Europe, including legal battles in Spain and conflicts over airport policies.
Ryanair Fined €1.34 Million by AGCM for Obstructing Investigation into travel agency Practices
The Italian Competition and Market Authority (Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato or AGCM) has imposed a €1,344,400 fine on Ryanair for obstructing its investigation into the airline’s alleged abuse of market dominance in Italy. The penalty was announced in august 2025 following the discovery that Ryanair provided inaccurate and incomplete information, violating its cooperation obligations during the inquiry.
Background: What Triggered the Investigation?
The probe began in September 2023 after concerns surfaced about Ryanair perhaps limiting ticket sales through both physical and online travel agencies. This was suspected to favor Ryanair’s own direct sales channels.
According to the AGCM’s preliminary findings, Ryanair’s strategy also involved spreading false and disparaging information about travel agencies to undermine their market position.
Investigation Details and Misleading Claims
- During the investigation, regulators requested Ryanair’s business plans and strategic documents to assess potential abuses of dominance.
- Initially, Ryanair denied holding formal documentation, justifying that decisions are made “dynamically.”
- However, a March 2024 inspection at Ryanair’s Dublin headquarters-conducted alongside irish authorities-uncovered documents that contradicted Ryanair’s statements.
Based on this evidence, AGCM ruled that Ryanair had obstructed the inquiry through “serious negligence.” The fine represents 0.01% of Ryanair’s global revenue, which reached €13.44 billion in 2024.
Legal Challenges Across Europe
Ryanair’s issues extend beyond Italy:
- In spain, Ryanair was recently convicted for unfair competition and defamation against the travel agency eDreams.
- The airline is in ongoing disputes with the Spanish Ministry of Transport over pricing policies.
- It is also in conflict with Aena, Spain’s airport management company, over infrastructure use and fees.
- Tensions escalated after Ryanair announced closures of several routes to Spanish cities including Vigo, Santiago, and Tenerife.
Industry Impact and Public Backlash
Ryanair’s aggressive tactics have sparked widespread criticism and attracted regulatory scrutiny across various European markets. Accusations of pressuring governments and competitors, including public claims of coercion and intimidation, further damage the airline’s reputation.
Experts say that Ryanair’s clashes with authorities and business partners highlight the challenging balance between competitive business strategies and regulatory compliance in the aviation sector.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Fine Amount | €1,344,400 (0.01% of global revenue) |
| Investigation Start | September 2023 |
| Misconduct | Obstruction, misleading info, unfair treatment of agencies |
| Revenue (2024) | €13.44 billion |
| Countries Involved | Italy, Spain, Ireland |
Conclusion
The sanction against Ryanair by the Italian AGCM is a clear signal that European regulators are intensifying efforts to crack down on unfair competition and abusive practices in the airline industry. Travelers and travel agencies alike should be aware of these ongoing conflicts, which might influence market dynamics and ticket availability.
Ryanair’s continued legal and operational challenges serve as a reminder that transparency and cooperation with market authorities remain vital, even for industry giants.
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