Story perspectives

Ryanair Fined €255 Million for Market Abuse, Plans Appeal

12/23/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Italian competition authority, the Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM), fined Ryanair €255 million for abusing its market power by restricting how travel agencies could sell its flights.
From April 2023 to at least April 2025, Ryanair blocked payments, deleted agency accounts, and limited bundled sales.
Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary criticized the ruling as legally unsound and said it will appeal, citing benefits of direct sales.

History

Historical Context

The European Union's competition law, rooted in the Treaty of Rome (1957), aims to prevent market abuse by dominant firms. In 2004, reforms strengthened enforcement, leading to significant fines like Microsoft's €497 million for anti-competitive practices. Ryanair's recent €255 million fine reflects ongoing efforts to ensure fair competition, impacting consumer choice and pricing across Europe.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Italian competition authority, the Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM), fined Ryanair €255 million for abusing its market power by restricting how travel agencies could sell its flights.
From April 2023 to at least April 2025, Ryanair blocked payments, deleted agency accounts, and limited bundled sales.
Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary criticized the ruling as legally unsound and said it will appeal, citing benefits of direct sales.

1 / 2