Ryanair Considers Temporary Staff Pay Freeze as Fuel Costs Rise

What changed

Ryanair is considering a temporary pay freeze for staff as its fuel bill is forecast to rise by €2bn (£1.6bn) in the short term.

The airline expects European fares to increase, but says that may not cover the extra cost. It also expects fuel prices to remain high well into 2027 unless there is a swift resolution to the US-Israel war with Iran.

Why it matters

Ryanair is weighing a choice between charging passengers more and squeezing its own costs. The likely result is pressure on both sides: higher fares for European air passengers and a possible pay freeze for Ryanair employees.

The pay freeze has not been approved, and its duration is unknown. But the size of the projected fuel increase shows why the airline is considering several measures at once. If fuel remains expensive, fare rises alone may not be enough to absorb the shock.