The hypothesis of abuse of a dominant position of an exclusionary nature is the basis of the proceedings initiated by the Competition and Market Authority against Ryanair.

According to what is hypothesized, the low-cost carrier would damage travel agencies and consumers by trying to extend its market power also in the offer of other tourist services

It all started after various reports received starting in May. Ryanair, in practice, would leverage the dominant position it occupies in the markets in which it operates to extend its power also in the offer of other tourist services (such as hotels or car rental) to the detriment of travel agencies (both "physical" and those online) and also of the customers who purchase these services.

The company - explains the Authority - on the one hand seems to put in place a series of obstacles to make it more difficult for agencies to purchase tickets through its website, and on the other hand it allows only traditional agencies to purchase them on the GDS platform at conditions which would be far worse in terms of price, breadth of offer and post-sales management.

In short, a conduct that would have effects not only on the agencies but also on the final consumers: it would in fact lead to worsening conditions from a quantitative and qualitative point of view and unjustified difficulties in managing the booking.

(Unioneonline/ss)