Ryanair is reviewing costs across its airline group, including the possibility of lowering crew ratios, as it prepares for a potential increase in fuel expenses. The carrier has not decided on a staffing change and has disclosed no target ratio, job impact or implementation date. The review follows a 15% fall in first-half profit after tax to €2.15 billion, despite passenger traffic rising 6% to 125.8 million.
The profit decline reflected doubled prices for unhedged jet fuel and a 4% drop in average fares. Ryanair estimates that its fuel bill in financial year 2028 could rise by about €2 billion at current forward prices. It has hedged 80% of its fuel needs through March 2027 at about $67 per barrel, while 25% of its FY28 requirement is covered at around $95 per barrel.
The cost review also covers airport negotiations, maturing labour agreements that may require temporary pay freezes, and wider use of artificial intelligence to improve operational and support-function productivity. Ryanair expects its first Boeing 737 MAX 10 deliveries from spring 2027 and has linked the aircraft to negotiations with airports. It forecasts FY27 traffic growth of 3%, to 214 million passengers.
Any change to crew levels would remain subject to applicable minimum crew requirements; the company has not specified which operations or aircraft could be affected.