A LONG-RUNNING feud between online travel groups and low-cost carriers is heating up after holiday retailer On the Beach Group called on the Competition Markets Authority (CMA) to step in to protect consumers.

In a report sent to the CMA, the aviation watchdog and senior transport ministers, On the Beach slammed "aggressive tactics" used by low-cost carriers to "remove consumer choice from the market".

Online travel agents (OTAs) have for years clashed with budget airlines.

On the Beach chief executive Shaun Morton said low-cost airlines are "taking advantage of their market power" using scaremongering and smear campaigns.

Ryanair refuted all allegations made by On the Beach and said OTAs missold flights with hidden mark-ups.

Wizz Air and Easyjet did not respond to a request for comment.

(c) 2023 City A.M., source Newspaper