nuSep 2, 2026, 10:30

Ryanair warns of significantly higher airfares due to high oil prices

Ryanair has lowered its annual passenger target to 214 million due to rising jet fuel costs and oil price volatility. The airline warns that continued high energy prices may lead to significantly higher airfares for short-haul European flights in the coming years.

Ryanair has announced a reduction in its passenger target for the current fiscal year, lowering the estimate from 216 million to 214 million. This strategic adjustment is intended to mitigate risks associated with volatile jet fuel prices, which have seen significant fluctuations. While the airline expects to remain profitable, it warned that persistent high energy costs could lead to a substantial increase in ticket prices for short-haul European flights through the summer of 2027 to offset rising fuel expenditures.

The company noted that other low-cost competitors may struggle to maintain their operations during the winter season due to their lesser degree of fuel price hedging. Despite the current challenges, Ryanair has secured 80 percent of its fuel needs at a fixed rate, providing a buffer that supports their outlook for annual profitability. Meanwhile, the airline continues to project growth in passenger numbers for the upcoming summer season, even as it observes a slight dip in ticket prices for the current August and September period.

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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