Ryanair Warns European Flight Prices Could Surge Up to 20%

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary warned at a press conference in Brussels on Tuesday that European flight prices will experience their sharpest increase in history over the coming year. This surge is driven by the conflict in the Middle East, which has spiked oil prices and forced airlines to pass rising costs on to consumers.

Ticket prices are expected to rise by up to 20% in the near future. O'Leary noted that jet fuel prices are currently about 50% higher than pre-conflict levels and are likely to remain elevated for the next 12 to 18 months. He previously warned of potential supply disruptions and financial pressure across the European aviation sector.

While all carriers will be impacted by soaring fuel expenses, low-cost airlines like Ryanair face the most complex challenge. Built on a model of ultra-low fares, these companies must now navigate difficult choices between raising ticket prices, cutting flight frequencies, or absorbing heavy hits to their profitability.