Ryanair weighs a wage freeze and higher fares as fuel costs climb

Expected rise in Ryanair's fuel bill

2 billion euros

Ryanair expects its fuel bill to rise by 2 billion euros in its next financial year, as the war with Iran keeps jet fuel prices high.

Savings under study

• Temporary pay freezes
• Lower cabin crew ratios
• More AI in back-office work

To offset the cost, Europe's biggest airline by passengers is looking at temporary pay freezes, fewer cabin crew per flight and more artificial intelligence in back-office work.

"Unless there is a swift resolution of the Middle East conflict, we expect jet-fuel prices to remain elevated well into 2027," chief executive Michael O'Leary said.

— Michael O'Leary, Ryanair CEO

O'Leary expects double-digit fare increases across Europe from all airlines in 2027.