Fuel costs surge will spark shake-out, says Ryanair

Ryanair warns that its profits will fall due to rising oil prices and higher labour costs after a rostering foul-up left it short of pilots, forcing it to sweeten contracts and recognise trade unions.

Oil rise to add €400m to Ryanair costs. Pic: Getty

Ryanair has warned that profits will slump for the first time in five years as rising labour costs compound a fuel price surge that may force weaker competitors out of business.

Net income could fall as much as 14 per cent in the year to the end of March 2019, the airline said this morning.

An increase in fuel costs will pressure earnings in the short term but could also spur a new ...