22.10.2026 20:41
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary, drawing attention to rising jet fuel prices and the contraction in flight capacity, warned that ticket prices could increase by up to 20% in 2027. The expected increase may strain the budgets of passengers planning overseas travel next year.
Irish airline Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary announced that due to rising jet fuel costs and shrinking flight capacity, airfare prices could rise by up to 20 percent in 2027. O'Leary said that in the next 12 months, Europe could experience one of the largest ticket price increases in its history.
EXPECTATION OF A 20 PERCENT INCREASE IN TICKET PRICES
Speaking at a press conference held in Brussels, O'Leary stated that the aviation sector is under serious pressure due to rising costs. He drew attention to the fact that, in addition to the increase in jet fuel prices, bankruptcies and company acquisitions in the sector are also reducing flight capacity.
O'Leary stated that airfare prices in Europe could increase by between 10 and 20 percent next year, warning that record-level price increases could be seen in the next 12-month period.
JET FUEL COSTS ARE PUTTING PRESSURE ON COMPANIES
The impact of the war in the Middle East on energy markets is increasing jet fuel costs and putting pressure on airline profit margins. Noting that the rise in fuel prices is expected to be reflected in ticket prices, O'Leary said companies are not sufficiently protected against cost increases.
The contraction in capacity in the sector is also assessed as potentially pushing prices up. The withdrawal of some companies from the market or their reduction of operations may cause passengers to face higher fares, especially during peak periods.
RYANAIR IS REMOVING 20 ROUTES IN BELGIUM
O'Leary also reacted to the plan to increase the aviation tax in Belgium from 2 euros to 7 euros in January 2027. He announced that Ryanair will remove 20 routes connected to Belgium from its winter schedule due to this decision and reduce more than 1 million seats of capacity.
This step by the company also brought to the agenda the impact of increasing taxes on airline operations.
NEW AIRCRAFT DELIVERIES EXPECTED
Ryanair's CEO also stated that they are optimistic that the certification process for the Boeing 737 MAX 10 model in the US could be completed by the end of October. It was stated that if approval is obtained, the company could receive 16 aircraft in early 2027.
How much airfare prices in Europe will increase next year will depend on the course of fuel costs, capacity in the sector and companies' pricing policies.