Italian Travel Group Begins Legal Action Against Ryanair

Ryanair, the Irish low-cost airline, is facing legal action from an Italian travel group over alleged anti-competitive practices.

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The legal action is being brought by the Association of Italian Travel and Tourism Agencies (Astoi) and the Italian Association of Travel Agents (FIAVET) in the Italian courts.

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They allege that Ryanair has abused its dominant position in the Italian aviation market by imposing unfair contract terms on travel agents who sell its tickets.

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They also allege that Ryanair has engaged in aggressive marketing tactics that have directly targeted the customers of travel agents.

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According to the travel groups, Ryanair has demanded that travel agents pay a fee to access its reservation system and has threatened to withhold commissions from agents who refuse to pay.

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Astoi and FIAVET claim that these practices have put their members at a disadvantage and have harmed their ability to compete in the market.

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They argue that Ryanair's actions have restricted consumer choice and have led to higher prices for travellers.

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The case is being closely watched by industry observers, who say that it could have implications for the wider aviation sector.

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