Ryanair considers pay freezes and reducing crew on flights as fuel costs soar

Airline also weighs up increasing use of AI as part of cost-cutting measures to offset impact of Iran war

Ryanair is considering cost-cutting measures including implementing pay freezes, reducing crew on flights and increasing the use of AI to offset soaring fuel costs because of the Middle East conflict.

Europe’s biggest low-cost carrier said it expects European airlines to raise their ticket prices by as much as 20%, as it anticipates its jet fuel costs will increase by about €2bn (£1.6bn) in its next financial year, which ends in March 2028.

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