Ryanair half-year profit falls 15% as fuel costs rise and fares decline

Ryanair reported profit after tax of €2.15 billion for the six months to 30 September 2026, a 15% decline from the corresponding period a year earlier. Higher fuel costs and weaker fares weighed on the airline’s results.

The carrier transported 125.8 million passengers during that six-month period, an increase of 6%. Average fares fell 4%. These figures cover the half-year ending in September, not January to June.

Chief executive Michael O’Leary said fare increases might not fully offset the higher fuel bill. The Journal reported that possible responses included temporary pay freezes, lower crewing ratios and greater use of artificial intelligence in operational and support roles; these were considerations, not confirmed measures.