On the Beach has become the latest online travel agent to sign a distribution deal with Ryanair, ending a long-running feud with the low-cost carrier.
The long-term agreement will allow OTB to ‘seamlessly’ access Ryanair’s flights to create ATOL-protected packages.
In a statement, the two travel giants said the agreement ‘enables the parties to move on from the outstanding litigation and focus efforts on building the partnership’.
Last October, a High Court ruled that Ryanair must refund On the Beach for flights that were cancelled during the pandemic, awarding the OTA around £2 million.
At the same time, OTB called on regulators to block what it described as ‘aggressive tactics’ used by Ryanair and other low-cost airlines to prevent OTAs from accessing their fares. For its part, Ryanair has labelled OTAs ‘pirates’.
After OTAs stopped selling Ryanair flights late last year the carrier saw a significant slump in third-quarter earnings, prompting it to scale back its profits forecast.
Ryanair has since gone on to sign distribution deals with several of its former foes, including loveholidays and Kiwi.com, plus it has entered into a new arrangement to provide flights to TUI.
In today’s statement, On the Beach CEO Shaun Morton said: “We are excited to have entered into this transformational partnership with Ryanair.
“This will improve the booking and travel experience for our customers selecting Ryanair flights, while ensuring we can continue to provide customers with best value package holidays.
“We will continue our campaign to safeguard consumer choice in the travel sector and the signing of this agreement marks a significant milestone in On the Beach’s journey, as we strive to do the best for our customers. Importantly, this agreement enables both parties to move on from outstanding litigation and we look forward to working closely with our new partner.”
Ryanair Director Marketing and Digital Dara Brady said: “Ryanair is pleased to announce our latest partnership with leading OTA, On the Beach.
“This new deal will see Ryanair partner with its fourth approved OTA partner. On the Beach customers can now book Ryanair flights, seats, and bags as part of their holiday package with the guarantee that they will have full price transparency of Ryanair products (without any overcharges), and that they will receive any information regarding their flight directly from Ryanair as well as having direct access to their booking through their myRyanair account.”