Even with jet fuel getting more expensive, Ryanair says it will not introduce fuel surcharges. The airline is also signaling that some competitors may handle those costs differently, however.
For travelers already dealing with expensive tickets and a growing list of airline fees, that could mean another round of higher costs being passed directly to passengers.
Here's what to know
Speaking to reporters, Ryanair group CEO Michael O'Leary said airlines have largely been shielded from fuel-price swings because many locked in costs through summer 2026. But according to The Independent, he warned that protection is temporary and said other carriers are likely to pass those expenses on to travelers.
O'Leary said: "Most of the airlines were well hedged into the summer of 2026, and therefore we absorb the kind of shock of the much higher oil prices this summer … None of us will be able to absorb those much higher oil prices next year ... and it will get passed on in the form of fuel surcharges on higher airfares."
He also argued that rising fuel costs would hit weaker airlines hardest and could speed up consolidation across Europe.
More background
O'Leary framed it in stark terms, saying: "Airlines who are currently loss-making will fail. It will accelerate the consolidation of Europe into four large airlines: BA (British Airways), Lufthansa, Air France and Ryanair."
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According to The Independent, O'Leary had apologized for comparing rival airlines to rapists at a press conference in Dublin just days earlier, a remark that drew backlash from politicians in Ireland and the U.K. as well as sexual violence advocacy groups.
In a video aired by Virgin Media News, he said: "Last week at a press conference in Dublin, I used the term 'rapists' to describe the high fares of our competitor airlines. I was quizzed by the press if I was trivializing rape.
"I replied by asserting my firm belief that rape is a heinous and terrible crime which cannot be trivialized. I believe I couldn't have been clearer in this regard.
"I will try to learn from this mistake and do better in the future. Thank you."
Where can I learn more?
Questions about fuel surcharges are part of a broader fight over who pays the rising costs of aviation. These stories examine airline tax breaks, new passenger levies, pollution pressure, marketing claims, and private jet rules.
• Greenpeace says tax breaks are hurting people as the true costs of aviation hit travelers and taxpayers.
• In Denmark, a new tax on air passengers will help fund the aviation industry's transition to greener fuel.
• Air New Zealand made an unprecedented announcement as airlines face mounting pressure over pollution.
• A Dutch court ruled KLM used vague environmental claims in its marketing to travelers.
• The EU General Court said private jets can qualify as green investments, drawing outrage.
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