Ryanair CEO Predicts Unprecedented European Airfare Hikes by 2027

According to a report published by Euronews on 21 October 2026, Ryanair Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary has forecast the most significant increase in European airfares in the aviation sector's history. Speaking on the converging pressures facing the industry, O’Leary stated that ticket prices across the continent are expected to jump by as much as 20% by 2027. This anticipated price surge is being driven by a combination of escalating jet fuel costs, rising environmental and regulatory taxation, and reduced seating capacity across major carriers. This projection arrives at a critical juncture for European Union transport and climate policy, highlighting the ongoing tension between affordable intra-European mobility and the bloc's ambitious green transition. Airlines operating within the European single market are facing increasing compliance costs under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the phased-in ReFuelEU Aviation mandates, which require greater uptake of costly sustainable aviation fuels. Furthermore, ongoing aircraft delivery delays from major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus continue to restrict fleet expansion, directly limiting seat supply while travel demand remains robust. For European travellers and businesses, these impending increases threaten to reverse years of low-cost connectivity that underpinned regional integration and tourism. Households may soon find weekend getaways and business travel significantly more expensive, while regional airports reliant on budget carriers could face volume pressures. Policymakers and industry stakeholders will closely monitor upcoming capacity reports and regulatory implementation milestones as the aviation sector navigates these severe cost pressures ahead of 2027.

Source: Euronews. Read the original report ↗