Bloody nose for Michael O'Leary as 39% of Ryanair shareholders vote against his £130m payday

See more This is Money on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Updated: 17:00 EDT, 10 September 2026 More than a third of shareholders voted against pay plans for Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary that could net him at least £130million.The Irish budget airline said 39 per cent of investors at its annual meeting failed to back the plan.The pay deal still looks set to get the green light after 61 per cent of votes were cast in favour, despite the big revolt.Ryanair said: ‘The company will continue to consult with shareholders in order to understand the reasons behind the result.’In June, it agreed a contract running through to April 2032, under which O’Leary has an option to buy 10m shares at €26.70 each if targets are hit. The option would be subject to O’Leary staying until April 2032 and his performance targets being reached. Snubbed: Ryanair said said 39% of investors at its annual meeting failed to back pay plans for boss Michael O’Leary (pictured) that could net him at least £130m‘Achievement of these very ambitious targets would create substantial additional value for all shareholders,’ it said.O’Leary has been chief executive since 1994 and has been on the board since 1988. The mammoth deal comes as Ryanair faces pressure on profits from soaring costs, in line with many of its rivals.It said in July that profits slumped by more than a third to £462million in the quarter to the end of June – hit by rising jet fuel prices and a 6 per cent drop in average fares. This offset 6 per cent growth in passenger numbers to 61.3million.DIY INVESTING PLATFORMSAJ BellAJ BellEasy investing and ready-made portfoliosHargreaves LansdownHargreaves LansdownFree fund dealing and investment ideasinteractive investorinteractive investorFlat-fee investing from £4.99 per monthFreetradeFreetradeInvesting Isa now free on basic planTrading 212Trading 212Free share dealing and no account feeAffiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence.Compare the best investing account for you