# Ryanair CEO warns of biggest EU airfare hike

> Ryanair CEO predicts 20% EU airfares rise next year due to oil prices.
- Title: Ryanair CEO warns of biggest EU airfare hike · POLITICO
- Summary: Ryanair CEO predicts 20% EU airfares rise next year due to oil prices. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary warns of up to 20% EU airfare increases next year as fuel…
- Keywords: ryanair, michael oleary, eu airfares, fuel prices, oil prices, 20%, 2027, etr, politics, world, CEO, warns
- Source: POLITICO — https://politico.eu/article/ryanair-michael-oleary-warns-biggest-increase-eu-airfares-next-year
- Published: 2026-10-20T11:59:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ryanair, michael oleary, eu airfares, fuel prices, oil prices, 20%, 2027, etr, politics, world
## Ryanair CEO warns of biggest EU airfare hike
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary warned of 'the biggest increase in airfares in history in Europe' next year due to high jet fuel prices.

> the biggest increase in airfares, i would say, in history in europe
## Fuel prices could rise 20% next year
If fuel prices remain twice as high as before the U.S. war against Iran, Ryanair ticket prices could rise by up to 20%.
## Most airlines lack fuel hedging
Most European airlines lack significant hedging next year, with Ryanair only 15% hedged at $85 a barrel through 2027.
## Ryanair cuts routes due to taxes
Ryanair cuts 20 routes from Belgium this winter as national aviation taxes rise from €2 in 2025 to €7 from January.
## Key takeaway

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary warns of up to 20% EU airfare increases next year as fuel prices double.