The Italian competition authority has started an investigation into Ryanair for possible abuse of its dominant position, according to a statement from the competition watchdog.
The Irish discount airline is suspected of abusing its position “to expand its power” into other sectors such as offering hotel reservations and rental cars to passengers. In addition, Ryanair would make it difficult for travel agencies to buy tickets on its website. According to the regulator, Ryanair’s behavior is harmful to both consumers and travel agencies.
Ryanair is, measured by the number of passengers, the largest airline in Europe and market leader in Italy. Ryanair has not yet responded to the allegations. The investigation was initiated after several complaints about the company were received by the regulator since May last year.
Price ceiling
The Irish are already at odds with Rome over a price cap on flights to and from Italian islands approved last month by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government. The airline called the move illegal. The company also filed a complaint with the authorities in Brussels. In addition, Ryanair will reduce the number of flights to Sardinia and Sicily as a result of the price cap.
Italy’s competition watchdog also previously announced an investigation into possible price fixing for flights to and from Sicily over Christmas by airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet.
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