Ryanair boss warns European airlines could go bust if jet fuel prices remain high
Ryanair's CEO Michael O'Leary has warned that sustained high jet fuel prices could lead to financial difficulties and potential bankruptcies among European airlines. The surge in fuel costs follows the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz due to the war in Iran, which has driven oil prices significantly higher. Airlines including United and Lufthansa are considering fare hikes and flight cancellations in response to the crisis.
- ▪Jet fuel prices have risen nearly 84 percent since the start of the war in Iran on 28 February.
- ▪The price of Brent crude oil remains around $110.71 per barrel, up from about $70 before the conflict.
- ▪Michael O'Leary suggested that continued high fuel prices could lead to airline failures, which might benefit Ryanair in the medium term.
- ▪United Airlines and Lufthansa are among the carriers reconsidering pricing and flight schedules due to rising fuel costs.
- ▪Willie Walsh of the International Air Transport Association warned of potential fuel shortages if the war persists.
- ▪O'Leary called for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened as soon as possible to alleviate supply disruptions.
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NewsUKHome NewsRyanair boss warns European airlines could go bust if jet fuel prices remain highMichael O’Leary warned that fuel prices remaining high would present serious financial problems for airlines in EuropeDan Haygarth Wednesday 29 April 2026 12:08 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2967016","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/ryanair-fuel-price-iran-war-michael-oleary-airlines-b2967016.html","title":"Ryanair boss warns European airlines could go bust if jet fuel prices remain high"}}Simon Calder explains…
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