Planes, War, and Kerosene: When Ryanairs Boss Calls Out Donald Trump

Ryanair CEO Assessing Air Transportation Situation Amid Middle East War Uncertainties, Takes a Swipe at US President

Airplanes shouldn’t suffer from fuel shortages in May in Europe but the situation remains uncertain for June, stated Ryanair’s CEO to the Italian press on Wednesday, April 22. “For now, oil companies say there won’t be supply risks for May, but for June we’re not sure,” mentioned Michael O’Leary to journalists according to

Il Sole 24 Ore
.

“As long as the Middle East war continues and Trump continues to manage it poorly, fuel prices will inevitably remain higher. 10 to 20% of our fuel supplies are at risk,”

added the Ryanair boss, taking a jab at the White House occupant.

Europe normally imports half of its fuel from Gulf countries. But opinions differ on Asia, and to a lesser extent Europe’s, ability to protect fuel stocks to avoid flight cancellations.

“Travel demand has been very strong for us during Easter,” highlighted the Ryanair CEO in Corriere della Sera. “We are seeing some weakness in prices currently for June, July, and August […] We think people are hesitant to book.”

Is the UK at the Forefront?

“If the flight is canceled due to fuel unavailability at the airport, it is clearly an extraordinary circumstance; therefore, the passenger is not entitled to compensation (in addition to a refund),” clarified Michael O’Leary.

The most exposed country to cancellations, according to him, is the UK as it partially sources from Kuwait, paralyzed by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The war has already cost the company an extra $50 million in April alone. If it continues and prices remain at $150 per barrel, the additional cost “could reach $600 million within a year,” calculated Michael O’Leary.

“If oil stays at these levels, two or three European airlines could go bankrupt in October or November, like Wizz Air […] and Air Baltic. This is good for our business, as there will be fewer competitors,” praised the Ryanair chief, citing the same source. Ryanair’s stock has suffered on the stock market due to these supply difficulties. But unlike its competitor Easyjet, the Irish company has so far avoided revising its financial forecasts, ahead of the release of its 2026 fiscal year results on May 18.