European air passengers could face the sharpest fare increase on record in 2027, according to Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary. Speaking in Brussels, he put the possible rise at 10% to 20%.

Radio Svoboda reported the remarks on Tuesday, October 20. O’Leary said travel may also become more difficult as airline bankruptcies and mergers reduce the number of seats available across the market.

Fuel exposure is another concern. Reuters said the conflict involving Iran and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz had driven a steep increase in aviation fuel prices, while carriers are finding it harder to secure protection against further volatility.

O’Leary said Ryanair and other European airlines had their 2026 fuel needs well hedged, but many of those contracts will expire from April 2027. Ryanair separately announced major cuts to its German network in October, citing exceptionally high operating costs, with Berlin expected to lose about half of the carrier’s flights.