Ryanair Warns Higher Fuel Costs Could Push Up Fares in 2027

The next cheap flight you book could be a little less cheap. Ryanair has warned that persistently high aviation fuel prices may push up short-haul fares in 2027, even as Europe's largest low-cost airline looks for ways to absorb the extra expense.

In comments reported by Reuters on Monday 2 November, chief executive Michael O'Leary said the airline is reviewing costs as it prepares for a potentially substantial increase in its fuel bill. That is a warning about future pricing, not an announcement that every ticket is about to rise by a set amount.

Why fuel is suddenly such a big issue

Ryanair estimates elevated fuel prices could add roughly €2 billion to its fuel costs in the financial year ending March 2028. The airline has already protected much of its nearer-term fuel requirements through hedging, a process that locks in prices ahead of time.

According to Reuters, about 80% of Ryanair's fuel needs through March 2027 are hedged at approximately $67 a barrel. For the following 12 months, coverage is lower, at around 25%, with a higher locked-in price of about $95. That leaves the business more exposed if market prices remain elevated.

Will Ryanair tickets definitely cost more?

Not necessarily on every route or date. Air fares are also influenced by demand, airport charges, competition and how early people book. Ryanair expects short-haul fares to rise materially next year, but says that may still not be enough to cover the anticipated fuel increase.

There is an important contrast in the latest numbers: average fares in the July-to-September quarter were 2% lower than a year earlier, while after-tax profit for that quarter fell 6% to €1.61 billion. The latest warning therefore concerns what may happen next, rather than an across-the-board price rise already seen by passengers.

What other changes is the airline considering?

The company is examining several possible savings, including airport negotiations, staffing arrangements and greater use of artificial intelligence in administrative work. Temporary pay freezes have also been mentioned as a possibility. These are measures under consideration, not a confirmed list of changes.

How to plan a trip without overpaying

If you have a fixed travel date, compare the full cost of several airlines, including bags, seat selection and airport transfers. Midweek departures and flexible travel dates can sometimes offer better value, but there is no guarantee that buying immediately or waiting will produce the lowest fare. The clearest takeaway is to budget for uncertainty rather than assume last year's prices will return.

Source checked 2 November 2026: Reuters, 'Ryanair says it might freeze pay, cut other costs to offset high fuel prices' (https://www.reuters.com/business/ryanair-says-it-might-freeze-pay-cut-other-costs-offset-high-fuel-prices-2026-11-02/).

Image credit: Photo by Maciej Cisowski on Pexels, sourced via Pexafy. Image is illustrative and does not depict a Ryanair aircraft.