Ryanair boss says there's 'no doubt' flight prices will rise in 2027 - as he slams Labour over tourism tax, saying it will drive visitors away from UK

Published: 10:52 EDT, 24 September 2026 | Updated: 10:54 EDT, 24 September 2026 The boss of Ryanair has said he has 'no doubt' the cost of flight tickets will increase over the next year as a result of the rising price of oil and the war in Iran.Michael O'Leary, chief executive of the budget carrier, said this week that the cost of air fares was going 'significantly upward'.Speaking at a London press conference, he said: 'Fares for Ryanair passengers and every other passenger into the summer of 2027 are going to rise materially, I believe, because of significantly higher oil prices.'I have no doubt fares are rising next year. The question is by how much.'This week, the airline boss also slammed Labour's proposed tourism tax, saying it amounted to a 'double tax' on visitors who fly into UK destinations and already pay air passenger duty, known as APD.O'Leary said in a statement released by the low-cost carrier: 'Imposing a second visitor tax on hotel nights will deter even more visitors coming to the UK.'If this double taxation goes ahead, Ryanair will review its capacity in the UK and we will inevitably switch some of this capacity to zero tax, lower cost destinations elsewhere in Europe. Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary has warned travellers can expect rising air fares'Potential visitors to the UK will switch to visiting Barcelona, Rome, Milan, Madrid, Stockholm, and other EU countries where there is no visitor tax at the point of entry (APD), and where costs are generally lower, and where accommodation and food costs are generally lower.'You cannot double tax UK visitors and not lose them.' O'Leary also waded in on the fuel price debate this week, painting a gloomy picture for tourists: 'We're essentially hedged this year at about $80 (£60) a barrel. If we hedge next year at $100 (£75.607) a barrel, our oil bill goes up by 25 per cent.'Our oil bill this year is six billion. If it goes up by 25 per cent, that's seven-and-a-half billion next year.'The airline has previously warned that it believes some of its competitors will 'struggle to maintain capacity or even survive' this winter if oil prices remain high.According to the International Air Transport Association, the average global price of jet fuel rose 7.4 per cent last week compared to the week before to $194.90 (£147) per barrel. Due to higher oil prices, he anticipates Ryanair passengers will see the increase into the summer of 2027It comes after Ryanair cut its 2027 traffic target earlier this month to reduce losses and its exposure to costly unhedged fuel this winter, warning that high oil prices could be a survival test for some less-hedged rivals.'If high oil prices continue ​through to summer 2027, Ryanair believes short-haul airfares in Europe will increase materially to reflect higher ​oil prices, as some less well-hedged competitors will struggle to maintain capacity or even survive this coming winter season,' the airline said. Michael O'Leary has hit headlines already over the past week. He recently apologised 'sincerely and unreservedly' after comparing competitor airlines to 'rapists'.The billionaire faced a barrage of criticism from victims' groups and politicians in the UK and Ireland after saying it was 'absolutely' appropriate to make the comparison.But ten days after doubling down on the remarks, Mr O'Leary said he had reflected on his words and was 'truly sorry for the offence and the upset I have caused'. He added that he will 'try to learn from the mistake and do better'. He said: 'I am truly sorry for the offence and the upset I have caused you by my careless use of those words. It won't happen again.'