Ryanair has said it may freeze staff pay and push airfares higher, because fuel could cost an extra €2bn (two billion euros) in 2028 if the US-Israel war with Iran keeps going. Fuel is the biggest bill any airline pays, so when oil rises, the cost lands on the passenger. That part is ordinary. The plan behind it is not.
A spreadsheet left open on a departures board suggests the €2bn is not really a fuel figure. It is a deposit. Ryanair has reportedly been building a fleet of reusable rockets on a disused runway in County Clare, and the arithmetic is simple. Passengers pay more for a seat to Faro, staff accept a flat wage and a packet of crisps, and the difference goes into a fund labelled Orbital Ambitions Phase Two.
Staff are not being left behind. Under the scheme, cabin crew will be retrained as astronauts, with particular focus on serving drinks trolleys in zero gravity. Ground staff will become mission controllers. Michael O’Leary has promised the first shuttle will leave Shannon on time, which is the one promise nobody doubts.
What this means for you: book early, expect to pay for every bag, and do not count on a free seat on the first flight to Mars. You will be charged for the window.