Ryanair has finally reached an agreement with one of the largest online travel platforms, Booking Holdings. On August 26, 2025, the airline announced a strategic partnership with Booking.com, Kayak, Priceline, and Agoda. The deal allows these platforms to sell Ryanair tickets once again, this time under transparent terms and without unnecessary restrictions.
Customers can now access all flights with clear prices and receive notifications directly through myRyanair, simplifying the booking experience while maintaining fare transparency. This partnership is widely seen as a significant step in redefining airline-OTA relationships in Europe and beyond.
Long-running Legal Dispute
The conflict between Ryanair and Booking had lasted several years, generating attention across the airline and travel-tech industries. Since 2020, Ryanair accused online travel agencies of reselling tickets without authorization, inflating fares, and restricting direct communication with passengers. In response, the airline removed its inventory from major OTAs in December 2023, which led to a temporary reduction in average ticket prices by roughly 10% and stirred considerable debate among travelers.
The legal battle spanned multiple jurisdictions, including Europe and the United States, and focused heavily on data scraping, fare display, and resale rights. Ryanair argued that unauthorized ticket listings harmed both passengers and the airline’s brand, while Booking Holdings maintained that it was acting within its rights to present competitive fares. This dispute highlighted ongoing tensions between airlines wanting to control ticket distribution and online platforms striving to maintain comprehensive flight offerings for consumers.
The effects of the dispute were felt by passengers and industry observers alike. Travelers encountered inconsistent fare information, difficulties in comparing prices, and occasional booking complications. Consumer advocacy groups emphasized the need for transparency and fair access to flight options, while analysts noted the case set an important precedent for airline-OTA negotiations. For many, the Ryanair-Booking conflict became a symbol of the growing complexity in digital travel sales and the challenge of balancing airline control with OTA convenience.
A New Way Forward
With the new partnership, Booking.com, Kayak, Priceline, and Agoda will once again offer full access to Ryanair’s flight network, covering over 235 destinations. Customers will see actual fares without hidden charges and receive timely notifications through myRyanair without additional verification steps. This move ensures a smoother, more transparent booking process and reinforces trust between travelers and both the airline and OTA platforms.
Booking Holdings emphasized that the agreement strengthens its service offerings while maintaining a user-friendly interface. Ryanair highlighted the deal as a crucial step in protecting passengers, promoting transparency, and preserving choice. The airline also pointed out that it continues to collaborate with “approved” OTAs, such as TUI, Expedia, and Kiwi, maintaining a controlled but open distribution model.
For travelers, the benefits are clear: easier booking, honest pricing, and reliable flight notifications. For Booking Holdings, the deal expands inventory access, enhances consumer trust, and improves competitiveness in the online travel market. Additionally, the partnership officially ends the long-running legal disputes between Ryanair and Booking Holdings, including U.S.-based cases regarding data scraping. Industry observers see this resolution as a milestone, signaling a new era of cooperation, transparency, and improved customer experience in the airline booking ecosystem.
