Ryanair considers freezing staff pay as fuel costs surge

Irish budget airline Ryanair is considering a temporary freeze on staff pay to cope with a sharp rise in its fuel costs, which have surged following the US-Israel war with Iran.

Ryanair said it expects fuel prices to remain high well into 2027 unless there is a swift resolution to the conflict.

The carrier said its fuel bill is forecast to be €2 billion (£1.6 billion) higher in the short term, and that it expects European airfares to increase to help cover the cost.

But the airline said higher fares alone were unlikely to be enough. Among a number of measures it is examining is a temporary pay freeze for staff.

The BBC has contacted Unite, the union that represents Ryanair employees, for comment.