Ryanair will not introduce a fuel surcharge even as jet fuel prices rise, with group chief executive Michael O’Leary signalling that the carrier intends to keep fares free of the extra charge. Speaking in London, he also warned that competing European airlines, especially legacy carriers, are likely to pass on higher fuel costs to passengers next summer.
The stance underlines Ryanair’s low-cost positioning at a time when fuel remains a key pressure point for European airlines. O’Leary said most carriers were hedged through summer 2026, which helped absorb the latest price shock, but those protections are expected to weaken next year as hedges expire. He linked that shift to a likely move by rivals towards higher fares and fuel surcharges.
Ryanair has previously benefited from comparatively strong fuel hedging, giving it more room to absorb volatility than some competitors. O’Leary also pointed to broader consolidation across European aviation, suggesting weaker airlines may struggle if elevated oil prices persist into next year.