Ryanair said it may freeze workers' pay and raise fares by double-digits next year to offset a forecast €2bn increase in fuel costs caused by the US-Israel war with Iran. Chief executive Michael O'Leary said the airline needs a 20% fare rise to cover jet fuel expenses but expects increases of "double-digit" percentages across European carriers in 2027. Ryanair's pre-tax profits fell 16% to €2.4bn in the six months to end of September, partly due to fuel costs jumping 15%. The airline said 80% of its fuel bill has been hedged at fixed prices, but the remainder faces elevated costs. O'Leary said he is "not sure we'll get to 20%" on fares but predicted the industry will see double-digit increases. Ryanair said temporary pay freezes could be implemented from April next year as multi-year wage deals with unions expire. The airline also cut back winter flights and said more reductions will follow, particularly affecting short-haul capacity into the early 2030s. Unite, which represents Ryanair staff, was contacted for comment on the pay freeze proposal.