Ryanair says it may freeze some workers' pay for a time after higher fuel costs cut into its profit, RTE and the BBC report.

Europe's biggest airline by passengers said after-tax profit fell 15% to €2.15 billion in the six months to the end of September, down from €2.54 billion a year earlier, RTE reports. Revenue rose 3% to €10.08 billion, and passenger numbers grew 6% to 125.8 million.

About 80% of Ryanair's fuel was bought ahead at fixed prices. But the price of the rest doubled, the airline said. Jet fuel prices have surged since the war with Iran cut supplies from the Gulf, the BBC reports.

"Unless there is a swift resolution of the Middle East conflict, we expect jet fuel prices to remain elevated well into 2027," chief executive Michael O'Leary said.

Ryanair expects its fuel bill to rise by about €2 billion. It says short-haul fares in Europe should rise a lot next year, but probably not enough to cover the cost. So it is reviewing all its costs, including possible temporary pay freezes. The BBC said it had asked the Unite union for comment.

Average fares fell 4% in the half year, to €55.70, RTE reports. O'Leary said last month he expects airfares to rise 15% to 20% next year.

Demand is strong in the current quarter, with fares a little higher than a year ago, the airline said. Finance chief Neil Sorahan said an extra €5 or €10 on a fare won't necessarily stop people from traveling, RTE reports.

The airline said it was too early to give a full-year profit forecast.

What we know: Profit fell and Ryanair is weighing pay freezes.
What we don't: Whether any pay freeze will happen, or how big fare rises will be.