According to information from Aerotime Hub, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has met the conditions for a bonus exceeding €100 million after the airline’s stock remained above €21 for 28 consecutive days. If O’Leary stays in his role until 2028, he will receive one of the largest payouts in European corporate history.
Ryanair shares closed at €23.74 on May 29, 2025, fulfilling one of the key targets set under O’Leary’s incentive plan introduced in 2019. The plan allows him to purchase 10 million shares at €11.12 each if either of two conditions is met: annual profits exceed €2.2 billion or the share price stays above €21 for 28 straight days between April 2021 and March 2028.
However, O’Leary will only receive the bonus if he remains CEO until July 2028. His contract was renewed in December 2022, extending his tenure through the 2027-2028 fiscal year and confirming his eligibility for the incentive.
When questioned about the potential payout during an earnings call in May 2025, O’Leary defended it, stating, “We’re delivering exceptional value to Ryanair shareholders at a time when Premier League footballers and managers earn €20-25 million per year.”
Ryanair reported a net profit of €1.61 billion for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, down 16% from the previous year’s €1.92 billion.
Luke Hildyard, CEO of the High Pay Centre, criticized the bonus as “excessive,” telling The Guardian: “Handing another €100 million to someone already a billionaire is morally questionable and an inefficient way to distribute corporate wealth.”
O’Leary joined Ryanair’s board in 1988, became CEO in 1994, and assumed the role of Group CEO in 2019 after serving as CFO.
