Ryanair is considering cost-cutting measures including pay freezes, reducing crew numbers on flights and increasing the use of AI to offset soaring fuel costs driven by the Middle East conflict .

Europe’s largest low-cost carrier said it expected European airlines to raise ticket prices by up to 20% , with its own jet fuel costs forecast to rise by about €2bn (£1.6bn) in its next financial year, which ends in March 2028.

“Unless there is a swift resolution of the Middle East conflict we expect jet fuel prices to remain elevated well into 2027,” said Michael O’Leary, the chief executive of Ryanair .…