Ryanair warns of 'dramatic' price rises for summer 2027 flights as boss tells holidaymakers to book now - and reveals staff could face pay freezes

Published: 04:51 EDT, 3 November 2026 | Updated: 04:55 EDT, 3 November 2026 Ryanair has urged holidaymakers to book their summer 2027 flights as soon as possible, warning that fares are set to rise dramatically as soaring jet fuel prices put pressure on the airline's profits.The budget carrier is also considering a range of cost-cutting measures, including temporary pay freezes for staff, as it grapples with an estimated €2billion increase in fuel costs next year.It comes after Ryanair reported a 15 per cent fall in post-tax profits to €2.15billion (£1.79billion) for the six months to September.The airline said: 'Unless there is a swift resolution of the Middle East conflict, we expect jet-fuel prices to remain elevated well into 2027.' 'As low cost oil hedges roll off ahead of summer 2027, all EU airlines face a significantly higher fuel bill next year.'While we believe European short haul airfares will increase materially to reflect these much higher jet-fuel prices and competitor capacity reductions, this is still unlikely to provide a full offset for an estimated €2bn increase (based on current forward prices).'The carrier added it is 'reviewing all costs', which includes 'labour agreements (which may require temporary pay freezes), lower crewing ratios and increased use of AI to drive further operational and back-office/support functions productivity'. Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary has urged passengers to book as soon as possibleMeanwhile, Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary told Sky yesterday that passengers should 'book now' for summer 2027 travels.He said: 'My advice to consumers next year, if you're travelling next summer, is to book now. 'Get in as early as you can, while fares are low. They're going to rise dramatically next year.'The price of jet fuel has more than doubled in the past year to $196.70 (£146.60) per barrel due to the Middle East conflict.The airline has hedged 80 per cent of its fuel at $67(£50)-a-barrel up to March 31.But the remaining 20 per cent had doubled in cost and contributed to a 10 per cent increase in costs over the six months to September 30. The budget carrier has said it may consider staff pay freezes amid increasing fuel costsAirlines, including Ryanair, cut prices in the months after the war broke out to stimulate demand as customers held back.Average fares fell by 2 per cent year-on-year in the three months to the end of September, but are now trending 'modestly ahead' of the same period a year earlier in the current quarter, it said.It came as Ryanair reported a 6 per cent drop in profits in the crucial second quarter, when it typically makes most of its profits, to €1.61billion, down from €1.72billion over the same period last year.Revenue over the period rose 4 per cent to €5.7billion, up from €5.48billion, as passenger numbers grew 5 per cent to 64.5million.