Ryanair is reviewing costs across the group as it prepares for a potential €2 billion increase in its fuel bill for the financial year ending March 2028. Measures under consideration include negotiating with airports, lower crew ratios, greater use of artificial intelligence in back-office operations and temporary pay freezes. The airline’s first-half profit after tax fell 15% to €2.15 billion, as lower fares and higher fuel costs outweighed passenger growth.
The projected increase is based on current forward prices. Ryanair expects fuel prices to remain elevated into 2027 if the conflict in the Middle East continues, while fare rises may not fully offset the additional expense. The measures remain under review; no specific cuts have been approved or implemented.
For the six months to 30 September, revenue rose 3% to €10.08 billion and passenger numbers increased 6% to 125.8 million. Average fares fell 4%. The airline had hedged 80% of its fuel requirements through March 2027 at $67 a barrel, with cover for the following 12 months at 25% at $95 a barrel.