Home/News Feed/Ryanair plans pay freezes and AI use to offset €2bn fuel cost rise amid Middle East conflict Ryanair expects its jet fuel costs to rise by about €2 billion in the next financial year ending March 2028 due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. To manage these higher costs, the airline is considering pay freezes, reducing crew numbers on flights, and increasing the use of AI to improve operational efficiency. Ryanair also anticipates European short-haul ticket prices to rise by up to 20% as airlines face higher fuel expenses and reduced capacity. Despite these measures, Ryanair warns that fare increases may not fully offset the surge in fuel costs, with fuel prices expected to stay elevated into 2027 unless the conflict resolves quickly.
Ryanair Holdings plc shares trade at USD 54.15 as of Nov 02, 2026 16:21 WIB on Pluang, near the 52-week low of USD 51.33 and well below the 52-week high of USD 73.82. Despite a recent 1-day gain of 0.80%, the stock remains closer to its lower range, reflecting ongoing concerns such as rising fuel costs highlighted in the news. The dividend yield stands at 1.67%, with a market cap of $26.53 billion, indicating moderate investor confidence amid operational challenges.