Ryanair considers pay freezes and flight cuts due to high fuel costs

Ryanair has announced plans to cut costs after its profits fell and fuel prices stayed high. Europe's biggest airline by passenger numbers is considering freezing staff pay for a period. It is also looking at putting fewer crew members on some flights. The airline plans to operate fewer flights in winter. Ryanair's net profit dropped six percent in the second quarter. Fuel costs have been elevated for more than six months because of conflict in the Gulf region. The airline is also exploring how artificial intelligence could help reduce expenses. Ryanair has historically focused on growing its number of flights, so reducing capacity is an unusual step for the company.