Ryanair's outspoken CEO Michael O'Leary has lifted the lid on the true causes behind skyrocketing airfares – and his explanation might surprise travellers.
In a candid interview, the budget airline boss revealed that while many blame airlines for price hikes, the reality involves a perfect storm of external factors squeezing the industry.
The Boeing bottleneck
"We're facing massive delays in aircraft deliveries from Boeing," O'Leary explained. "This shortage of planes means we simply can't meet demand, pushing prices up across the board."
The Ryanair chief highlighted how Boeing's production issues have left airlines scrambling for aircraft, creating an unprecedented supply crunch in aviation.
Airport fees taking off
O'Leary also pointed the finger at airports: "Airport charges have gone through the roof. These costs get passed directly to passengers."
He singled out several major hubs for dramatically increasing their fees, adding significant amounts to the final ticket price.
What this means for travellers
- Expect higher prices to continue through 2024
- Book early to secure the best deals
- Be flexible with travel dates for cheaper options
While O'Leary acknowledged passenger frustration, he maintained that Ryanair still offers the most competitive fares in Europe despite these challenges.
"We're doing everything we can to keep costs down," he said, "but some factors are simply beyond our control."
