The Newshound

Ryanair boss warns Burnham to slash tourist taxes or face UK flight cuts as fares set to rise

From the Newshound archive · first published 23 September 2026.

Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's chief executive, who has warned Prime Minister Andy Burnham that soaring fuel costs could push rival airlines out of business entirely.
Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's chief executive, who has warned Prime Minister Andy Burnham that soaring fuel costs could push rival airlines out of business entirely.

Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has warned Prime Minister Andy Burnham that the airline will cut its UK flight capacity unless the government abandons plans he says will "double tax" tourists. O'Leary says he has "no doubt" air fares will rise next year, and warned that soaring fuel costs could force some rival airlines to fold entirely.

O'Leary accuses Labour of planning to hit tourists twice — once with existing levies and again with new mayoral charges.

Rising fuel costs across the industry could push weaker carriers out of business, O'Leary warned.

Ryanair's threat to cut UK routes ramps up pressure on Burnham ahead of any final decision on the tourist tax plans.

MoreLBCTourists will be ‘double taxed’ under Labour plans, says Ryanair bossLBCRyanair boss says he has ‘no doubt’ air fares will increase next yearThe IndependentRyanair boss Michael O’Leary predicts rising fuel costs will force some airlines to foldCity A.M.Ryanair tells Burnham: Slash taxes or we’ll cut UK flights
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