Michael O’Leary expects double-digit increases in European airline fares in 2027. According to RMF24, the Ryanair chief points to rising fuel costs, while the carrier is also considering a temporary pay freeze. These are forecasts and potential savings measures, not an announcement of an across-the-board fare increase or a pay decision already in force.
RMF24 reports that Ryanair expects its fuel bill to rise by €2 billion. O’Leary reiterated that covering those additional costs would require a 20% increase in fares, but acknowledged that he was unsure whether such a rise could be achieved.
That distinction matters for passengers: the 20% figure is an estimate of the increase needed to cover costs, not a statement that every Ryanair ticket will become that much more expensive. The forecast of double-digit fare rises in 2027 concerns European airlines and remains the chief executive’s assessment. It does not specify price changes on individual routes, including flights between Poland and the UK.
Staffing costs also under scrutiny
Ryanair is also considering a temporary freeze on staff pay, RMF24 reports. The same report, citing the BBC, included a response from the Unite trade union, which said it had received no such proposals. A union representative pointed to an existing multi-year pay agreement covering 2027 and said it expected that agreement to be honoured.
According to RMF24, O’Leary also announced plans to curb recruitment and expand the use of artificial intelligence in back-office and support departments. The plans indicate that the carrier is looking for savings beyond the costs of operating flights. They do not, however, mean that the proposed pay freeze has already been introduced.
