Ryanair to enact airline-wide cost purge to offset fuel charge increases | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Ryanair will carry out an airline-wide cost purge to offset higher fuel charges next year, as the Middle East conflict pushes up oil prices and may reduce consumer demand. The Irish low-cost carrier said Monday it will review airport deals, consider lowering crew staffing and increase the use of artificial intelligence to cut expenses, after reporting a 15% drop in profit after tax for the first half. Profit after tax was $2.4 billion, down from $2.8 billion a year earlier. Unit costs rose 5%, unhedged fuel prices doubled to about $130 a barrel, and it will run a slimmer winter schedule. Ryanair forecast 214 million passengers in fiscal 2027 and plans dividends and an additional buyback.