Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has called for action against pirate agencies and appealed to the Italian Competition Authority (Agcm) to take a stand. He criticized the focus on Ryanair’s actions when the airline offers the lowest prices in the Italian market and instead urged action against online travel agencies (OTAs) like eDreams, known for scamming consumers and inflating ticket prices.
O’Leary highlighted that the Court of Appeals in Milan recently dismissed the claims made by these pirate OTAs, which accused Ryanair of abusing its dominant position in the Italian market. During a press conference, O’Leary humorously represented eDreams, Opodo, Booking.com, and Agcm as pirate cutouts. He jokingly referred to Agcm as “the Jack Sparrow of the group.”
He criticized Agcm for its failure to protect Italian consumers, especially in light of the Court of Appeals’ ruling that recognized Ryanair’s direct selling policy as economically justified. The policy eliminates intermediary costs in ticket sales, leading to lower costs and fares, ultimately benefiting consumers.
Tomorrow morning, Ryanair representatives will be heard by the Antitrust Authority regarding the precautionary proceedings initiated by Agcm against the airline for restrictions on selling flights through online agencies. O’Leary expects a loss but plans to appeal to the Administrative Court of Lazio where he anticipates a victory.
Ryanair’s plea for action against pirate agencies highlights the ongoing battle between low-cost airlines and online travel agencies. The issue at hand is whether airlines should have the right to sell directly to consumers without intermediaries, ensuring lower prices and greater transparency.
The influence of OTAs in the travel industry has grown significantly in recent years. These platforms provide customers with convenience and choice, but there have been concerns about their pricing practices and hidden fees. O’Leary’s appeal to Agcm reflects the airline’s frustration with the lack of action against these practices and their impact on consumers.
The Court of Appeals’ ruling in favor of Ryanair’s direct selling policy sets an important precedent. It recognizes the economic justifications behind the airline’s approach, which ultimately benefits consumers by offering lower prices. However, the battle is far from over, as Agcm continues to pursue legal action against Ryanair.
It remains to be seen how the Antitrust Authority will respond to Ryanair’s arguments during tomorrow’s hearing. Regardless of the outcome, it is likely that this dispute will continue in higher courts. The case raises important questions about the role of OTAs in the travel industry and the need to protect consumers from deceptive practices.
As consumers, it is essential to stay informed and aware of the choices we make when booking travel. While online agencies offer convenience, it is crucial to compare prices and consider direct options from airlines to ensure transparency and potentially save money.
In conclusion, Ryanair’s CEO has called for action against pirate agencies, urging Agcm to focus on addressing their deceptive practices rather than targeting the airline. The ongoing legal battle raises important questions about the role of OTAs and advocates for greater consumer protection in the travel industry.