Travellers planning to fly from the UK to Spain might need to brace themselves for higher ticket prices in the coming year. Ryanair is considering fare increases and cost-cutting measures as a response to rising fuel costs. According to Michael O’Leary, the airline’s Chief Executive, European air fares could see an increase of up to 20% next year, with Ryanair expecting its fuel bill to rise by approximately €2 billion by March 2028. The increase is partially attributed to heightened oil prices linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
While Ryanair has secured much of its fuel supply in advance, this protection is expected to diminish from next spring. To manage these rising costs, the airline is contemplating temporary pay freezes, slower recruitment, and adjustments in cabin crew staffing levels. However, any staffing changes will need to comply with European Union aviation safety regulations, which require a minimum number of cabin crew members based on passenger seats.
Alongside these measures, Ryanair is looking to expand its use of artificial intelligence in areas such as flight planning, administrative operations, and customer support, which the company claims has already improved operational capacity. Despite these challenges, Ryanair continues to grow its operations at major Spanish destinations like Málaga, Alicante, and Palma, even though it has scaled back its presence at some regional airports, cutting around 1.2 million seats for summer 2026 and ceasing services to and from Asturias.
Looking ahead, potential pay disputes could also pose operational challenges next summer, with certain employee agreements set for renewal in 2027. Ryanair has cautioned that disagreements over new contracts could lead to strikes among some staff groups. As the airline navigates these higher operating costs, passengers may encounter more expensive tickets, especially during the peak summer travel season.