The high cost of operating in the US includes taxes, customs, fees and other charges which adds a significant cost to operating flights.At the same time, Ryanair also faces a challenge of a shortage of aircraft that meet the current U.S. aviation regulations.

Ryanair does not fly to the USA because its ultra-low-cost business model is fundamentally incompatible with long-haul operations. Ryanair's profitability relies on "high aircraft utilization"—having planes fly multiple short hops (turns) per day with very short turnaround times at the gate. A transatlantic flight takes 7–9 hours, meaning the aircraft can only complete one or two "turns" in 24 hours, significantly increasing the cost per seat. Furthermore, the airline’s CEO, Michael O'Leary, has stated that transatlantic success requires a Business Class cabin and cargo capacity, neither of which Ryanair's single-aisle Boeing 737 fleet is designed for. While they once explored a "sister brand" for US flights, the high costs of US airport fees, fuel, and the complexity of long-distance maintenance have kept them focused on the European market. In 2026, Ryanair remains the king of the short-haul, choosing to dominate the continent rather than competing with established giants and hybrid carriers in the volatile transatlantic corridor.