JavaScript Required

Jumpseat Aerospace News requires JavaScript to function. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings to continue.

Ryanair CEO Warns High Jet Fuel Costs May Last Until 2028

October 8, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary warns jet fuel costs may stay high until 2028.
Fuel prices are 50% higher than before the Iran conflict.
O'Leary expects airlines to pass higher costs to passengers.
Many airlines have already raised ticket prices to cover fuel costs.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.

Upgrade

Strategic Implications

The sustained high jet fuel costs may indicate a prolonged period of financial pressure for European airlines, which could lead to increased fares and reduced profitability. This situation suggests that airlines may need to adapt their business models to mitigate the impact of fuel price volatility, which could have significant implications for the industry's competitive landscape.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.

Upgrade

What Happened

European Airlines Face Fuel Price Crisis Amid Iran War

Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary has warned that high jet fuel costs, driven by the Iran war, may persist until 2028, leading to higher fares for European air travelers. Speaking at an Airlines for Europe press conference, O’Leary stated that jet fuel prices are currently 50% higher than before the conflict began and expects prices to remain near that level for the next 12 to 18 months. Many airlines have already started raising ticket prices to cover fuel costs, and O’Leary has previously suggested that fares could rise by as much as 20% next summer. This report was first published by Reuters and covered by AeroTime.

Source | Originally Published: October 8, 2026

Companies Mentioned