Ryanair, today (18 Apr) noted a Swiss Court decision regarding a Lastminute.com case will have no practical impact on Ryanair since EU law entitles airlines to determine their own distribution models and to protect their websites by contractual terms of use Furthermore, the Irish Supreme Court has confirmed that the Terms of Use of the Ryanair website are governed by Irish law. Accordingly, Ryanair confirms it will retain its direct to customers distribution model.
In May 2022 the Paris Court of Appeal vindicated Ryanair’s direct distribution model by ordering the immediate cessation by Lastminute of its unlawful selling of Ryanair flights, and ordered Lastminute to pay damages to Ryanair for free riding on Ryanair’s website.
Notwithstanding the wealth of jurisprudence confirming a business’ right to determine its own distribution model, Lastminute insists on reselling Ryanair’s flights without having any commercial agreement to do so.
Ryanair’s Dara Brady said:
“Ryanair’s direct to customers distribution model provides our customers with the best choice, care, and lowest fares while allowing us to ensure that flight safety, security, and public health protocols are complied with. We again urge consumers to avoid intermediaries and book directly on the Ryanair website, the only place to find the cheapest Ryanair fares.”
