Ryanair Appeal Rejected by Czech Competition Authority

Strategic Insights -

The Czech Office for the Protection of Competition, led by Chairman Petr Mlsna, has upheld a decision rejecting Ryanair's appeal against the airport price list of Vaclav Havel Airport Prague. The airline had complained about excessive fees in the price list, citing concerns about passenger numbers, nitrogen oxide emissions, and check-in counter fees. The Authority determined that it lacks the authority to assess the specific method of determining prices and that increasing check-in efficiency is a legitimate economic consideration for the operator.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ryanair appealed the airport price list of Vaclav Havel Airport Prague, citing concerns about passenger numbers, nitrogen oxide emissions, and check-in counter fees.
  • The Office for the Protection of Competition, led by Chairman Petr Mlsna, rejected Ryanair's appeal, stating that it lacks the authority to assess the specific method of determining prices.
  • The Authority determined that increasing check-in efficiency is a legitimate economic consideration for the operator and that the discount for using self-service passenger check-in is not discriminatory.
  • Ryanair claimed that the discount for using self-service passenger check-in discriminates against low-cost carriers, but the Authority found that this is not the case.
  • The President of the Office stated that the first-instance decision is lawful and reviewable, and that the Authority dealt in detail with the issue of discriminatory nature of the discount for using self-service passenger check-in.

Statistics:

  • The price list in question is valid from 30 March 2025 to 28 March 2026.
  • Ryanair complained about three specific issues in the price list: underestimation of passenger numbers, introduction of nitrogen oxide emissions charges, and increase in fees for using check-in counters.
  • The Authority stated that it does not have the authority to assess the specific method of determining prices, as it is only authorized to assess whether the given prices for the airport use do not discriminate against individual carriers.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic
  • Vaclav Havel Airport Prague
  • Ryanair DAC
  • Office for the Protection of Competition (UOHS)
  • The Chairman of the Office for the Protection of Competition, Petr Mlsna