Ryanair warns that high fuel prices will drive up airfares over the next 12–18 months

European airlines could face high fuel prices over the next 12–18 months, potentially leading to further increases in airfares. The warning was issued Thursday by Michael O’Leary, CEO of the Ryanair Group, against the backdrop of the war with Iran.

According to O’Leary, fuel-cost trends represent significant pressure for European airlines and could influence the prices paid by passengers in the coming period. Airlines may be forced to pass some of these additional costs on to customers by raising fares.

The Ryanair CEO’s statement indicates that the conflict’s effects on the air transport market are not limited to the present and could persist in the medium term. Reuters reported the warning on Thursday, without the available information specifying the scale of any potential price increases or the concrete measures being prepared by airlines.