Air tickets are becoming more expensive: Ryanair warns of price increases

Air travel in Europe is gradually losing its status as super affordable, and budget carriers are no longer hiding this trend. Ryanair's financial forecasts signal a change in pricing policy and new conditions for passengers in the near future. Find out more about how and why Ryanair ticket prices will increase and what this means for travellers

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Ryanair announced the change in its pricing policy on its official website, publishing its financial results and forecasts for the coming year. Analysts at Finance.ua also drew attention to this information.

In this article, we discuss how prices have already changed, what passengers can expect in 2026, and why even low-cost airlines can no longer maintain minimum fares.

The price increase is already noticeable: what is happening with prices now?

The airline notes that the trend towards higher ticket prices began at the end of 2025 and is not temporary. In the fourth quarter, the average flight price rose compared to last year, which is an unusual step for a budget airline. Previously, Ryanair had kept fares low, stimulating demand and restoring passenger traffic after years of instability.

Forecast for 2026: it won't get any cheaper

In its own forecasts, the company explicitly states that price growth will accelerate in 2026. The average ticket price is expected to grow faster than last year. The key reason is the consistently high demand for European flights combined with limited opportunities for further fare reductions. Strong booking figures for the coming months allow the carrier to adjust prices without the risk of losing flight occupancy.

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Why is the ‘ultra-cheap ticket’ model losing relevance?

Ryanair notes that the aviation market is returning to a more balanced economy. The costs of aircraft maintenance, staff salaries and airport infrastructure are rising, and these factors inevitably affect the final ticket price. At the same time, the company emphasises that even under the new conditions, it will remain one of the most affordable airlines in Europe, albeit without the previous price dumping.

Against the backdrop of rising airfares, a flexible approach to travel planning is becoming increasingly important. If airfares are becoming more expensive, it is worth considering alternatives or combining different modes of transport. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can select and book tickets for planes, buses or trains, depending on your route, budget and travel dates.

Compare options, choose the best travel format and book tickets in just a few minutes on the Visit Ukraine portal!

Reminder! To ensure that your flight is comfortable and goes smoothly, it is worth choosing a reliable airline. In our previous article, we talked about the rating of the world's most reliable airlines in 2026.

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