Ryanair among most complained about firms in 2025 - CCPC
Ryanair among most complained about firms in 2025 - CCPC
The latest annual report from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has sent shockwaves through the Irish travel and retail sectors, revealing that Ryanair among most complained about firms in 2025 - CCPC. As consumer frustration reaches a boiling point, the watchdog's data highlights a significant surge in grievances related to travel disruptions, online shopping mishaps, and faulty goods. For Irish consumers, the report serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced when navigating the modern marketplace, where low-cost convenience often comes with a high cost of customer service dissatisfaction.
According to the CCPC 2025 Consumer Helpline Report, Ryanair, Rathwood, and Currys emerged as the top three most complained about companies in Ireland. Ryanair topped the list with nearly 600 specific complaints, primarily driven by flight cancellations and baggage issues. Overall, the CCPC handled over 42,700 consumer contacts throughout the year, marking a period of intense activity for the watchdog as it struggles to hold major traders accountable for consumer law breaches.
The Rising Tide of Consumer Dissatisfaction in 2025
The year 2025 has proven to be a landmark year for consumer advocacy in Ireland, but for all the wrong reasons. The CCPC reported a record-breaking number of interactions, with over 42,000 people reaching out via phone, email, and webform to express their grievances. This surge suggests a growing awareness among the public regarding their consumer rights, but it also underscores a deteriorating standard of service across several key industries.
The data reveals that the average consumer spent over 6,000 Euros on products or services that eventually led to a complaint. This high financial stake explains why many are no longer willing to "let it go" when faced with poor service. From botched home improvements to faulty high-tech gadgets, the range of issues is vast, but the sentiment remains the same: consumers feel increasingly let down by the brands they once trusted.
Why Ryanair Topped the Complaint List
Ryanair's position at the top of the CCPC's list is perhaps not surprising to regular travelers, but the sheer volume of 593 formal complaints in a single year is significant. While the airline carries millions of passengers, the nature of these complaints often centers on the difficulty of reaching a resolution when things go wrong. Consumers frequently reported being "run around" by automated systems and facing lengthy delays in receiving refunds for canceled flights.
A major point of contention in 2025 was the airline's handling of baggage fees and boarding policies. Many travelers claimed they were charged for cabin bags that appeared to fit within the designated limits, leading to heated confrontations at boarding gates. Furthermore, the lack of human interaction in Ryanair's customer service funnel has been identified as a primary reason why minor issues escalate into formal CCPC complaints.
Analysis of the Top Three: Ryanair, Rathwood, and Currys
While Ryanair led the pack, Rathwood and Currys were not far behind. Rathwood, a Carlow-based furniture and garden retailer, saw a dramatic spike in complaints, jumping from just 24 in 2024 to 565 in 2025. This surge was largely attributed to logistical issues surrounding seasonal events and delivery delays for high-value outdoor furniture. The rapid growth of their online platform seemingly outpaced their ability to manage customer expectations and post-purchase support.
Currys, the electrical retail giant, maintained its presence in the "top three" with 445 complaints. As the primary destination for many Irish consumers seeking laptops, home appliances, and gaming consoles, Currys faced intense scrutiny over its handling of faulty goods and the implementation of extended warranties. Consumers expressed frustration over the repair process, often finding themselves caught between the retailer and the manufacturer without a clear path to resolution.
The Dominance of Vehicle and Transport Complaints
Despite the high profile of retail brands, the automotive sector remains the single biggest driver of calls to the CCPC helpline. With 5,827 contacts related to vehicles, the sector continues to plague consumers with issues ranging from undisclosed mechanical faults in used cars to lengthy delays in parts availability for new ones. The high cost of vehicle purchase and maintenance means that when things go wrong, the impact on a household's finances is often catastrophic.
The CCPC has noted a trend where car dealerships are increasingly reluctant to honor the "fit for purpose" requirements of consumer law, leading to more cases being referred to the Small Claims Court. In 2025, over 10,000 consumers were advised to seek legal redress through this route, highlighting a systemic failure in the voluntary resolution of disputes within the motor trade.
| Company Name | Number of 2025 Complaints |
|---|---|
| Ryanair | 593 |
| Rathwood | 565 |
| Currys | 445 |
| Sky Ireland | 382 |
| Aer Lingus | 349 |
The 14 Percent Surge in Online Shopping Issues
Online shopping has continued its upward trajectory in Ireland, but the CCPC reports a worrying 14 percent increase in complaints related to digital purchases. As more consumers turn to the web for everything from clothing to home appliances, the number of "botched" transactions has grown. Issues often stem from misleading product descriptions, difficulty in returning items, and "ghost" retailers that disappear once a payment is made.
Grainne Griffin, the CCPC Director of Communications, emphasized that consumers have strong rights within the EU, including a 14-day cooling-off period for online purchases. However, many traders in 2025 were found to be obscuring these rights or making the return process so cumbersome that consumers simply gave up. The CCPC has responded by increasing its inspections of online platforms to ensure compliance with transparency regulations.
Home Improvements: High Spend and High Risk
Home building and maintenance issues saw a 12 percent rise in 2025, with 2,838 consumers reporting significant problems. This sector is particularly concerning because the average spend reported was nearly 15,000 Euros. Grievances typically involve "cowboy" contractors, unfinished work, and the use of substandard materials that fail shortly after installation.
To combat this, the CCPC issued an open letter to the construction and maintenance industry in late 2025, reminding traders of their legal obligations. The watchdog advised homeowners to always obtain written quotes and sign formal contracts, as verbal agreements offer little protection when a project goes south. The rise in these complaints reflects a post-pandemic boom in home renovations that has unfortunately attracted unqualified operators to the market.
CCPC Enforcement and the Role of the Small Claims Court
The CCPC is not just a helpline; it is an enforcement body. In 2025, intelligence gathered from consumer contacts led to numerous unannounced inspections across various sectors, including hospitality and retail. These inspections uncovered multiple breaches of consumer law, resulting in compliance notices and fines. For the consumer, however, the most direct path to a refund often remains the Small Claims Court.
The report highlights that 61 percent of those who contacted the CCPC had already tried to resolve the issue with the business at least five times. This "wall of silence" from traders is a major focus for the CCPC's future enforcement strategy. By referring thousands of people to the Small Claims Court, the watchdog is effectively telling businesses that ignoring a customer is no longer a viable way to avoid responsibility.
Consumer Rights Education: The Power of Information
One positive takeaway from the 2025 report is the massive engagement with the CCPC’s "Money Tools" and educational resources. With over 647,000 uses of their online tools, it is clear that Irish consumers are becoming more proactive about understanding their financial and legal standing. Education is the first line of defense against predatory business practices and faulty services.
The CCPC continues to urge the public to "browse before they buy," especially with new online traders. Checking for a physical address, a working phone number, and a clear returns policy can save consumers thousands of Euros and months of frustration. As we move further into 2026, the watchdog expects these educational efforts to empower even more people to stand up for their rights against corporate giants.
FAQ Section
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which company had the most complaints in Ireland in 2025? Ryanair was the most complained about firm, according to the CCPC's 2025 report.
- What were the main reasons for complaints against Ryanair? Most grievances centered on flight cancellations, baggage fee disputes, and difficulty accessing customer support.
- Why did Rathwood see such a high number of complaints? A surge in online orders and logistical delays for garden furniture and events led to a massive increase in consumer reports.
- What sector drives the most calls to the CCPC helpline? The vehicle and transport sector remains the top driver, primarily due to issues with used cars and repairs.
- What should I do if a company ignores my complaint? If a trader fails to resolve your issue after multiple attempts, you can contact the CCPC for advice or initiate a claim through the Small Claims Court.
Conclusion
The revelation that Ryanair among most complained about firms in 2025 - CCPC serves as a critical wake-up call for both businesses and the government. While the Irish economy continues to grow, the quality of customer care and the protection of consumer rights must not be allowed to lag behind. The CCPC’s 2025 report demonstrates that while Irish consumers are spending more than ever, they are also more vulnerable to service failures in an increasingly automated and digital marketplace. As we look ahead, the pressure remains on traders like Ryanair, Currys, and Rathwood to overhaul their customer service frameworks and prioritize the rights of the people who keep them in business.
Ryanair among most complained about firms in 2025 - CCPC
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