Ryanair CEO Warns of Rising Airfares Amid Fuel Price Surge
The aviation industry is highly sensitive to fuel costs, which constitute a significant portion of airlines' operational expenses. Michael O'Leary, the CEO of Ryanair, has cautioned that air ticket prices may increase next year if fuel costs remain elevated. While a slight price decrease is anticipated between July and September, forecasts for the winter quarters are uncertain. The conflict between the United States and Iran has been identified as the primary driver behind the rise in energy prices. Consequently, Brent crude oil has surpassed $100 per barrel for the first time since July, experiencing a roughly 25% increase since early August. Major global banks, including Goldman Sachs and HSBC, have already revised their oil price forecasts upward.
In related news, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is set to resume direct flights from Copenhagen to Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport starting October 26, coinciding with the winter flight schedule. The airline will operate four weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturday evenings, utilizing fuel-efficient Airbus A320neo aircraft. SAS will offer both economy and business class services.
This move marks a further step in SAS's re-entry into the Israeli market. The airline had previously restored direct service to Tel Aviv in October 2025, operating three flights weekly. However, flights were suspended due to escalating security concerns in the region. The current resumption and increase in flight frequency to four per week suggest SAS's growing confidence in the route's stability and sustained demand for direct air travel between Scandinavia and Israel.
