Low-cost carrier Ryanair plans to cut two million seats and up to 13,000 flights from its winter schedule between November 2026 and March 2027 due to surging jet fuel costs, according to a company statement provided to Reuters. The airline lowered its financial year 2027 passenger forecast from 216 million to 214 million while maintaining aircraft capacity near last year’s levels.
Jet Fuel Surges Drive Winter Flight Reductions
Jet fuel is trading around 140 dollars, or nearly 3,000 Czech crowns, per barrel. Ryanair has hedged roughly 80 percent of its fuel consumption through March 2027 at about 67 dollars, or roughly 1,400 crowns, per barrel. Curbing winter operations aims to cut losses by 70 to 100 million euros, or 1.7 to 2.4 billion crowns.
„Due to high fuel prices, it makes sense over the winter to limit the number of flights where we would have to buy fuel at current, significantly higher prices,“ Ryanair stated to Reuters.”
European Bases and Routes Face Immediate Cuts
Specific flight schedules affected by the winter reductions remain unpublished by Ryanair. However, parts of the cuts already hit European destinations, including the removal of five aircraft from the Charleroi base in Belgium and the cancellation of two million seats on Brussels routes for the 2026 winter and 2027 summer seasons. The airline also closed its base in Thessaloniki, Greece, and cancelled seasonal connections.
Simultaneously, German carrier Lufthansa announced plans to cancel 20,000 flights primarily on short European routes to conserve fuel, according to its corporate website. Lufthansa operates flights from Prague to Munich and Frankfurt, two major hubs expected to feel the impact. Additional carriers are reacting to the crisis. SAS Scandinavian Airlines reported cancelling about one thousand flights, while Air France and KLM introduced a 100-euro fee for long-haul flights, as reported by Politico.
Did you know? Ryanair has hedged 80 percent of its fuel needs through March 2027 at $67 a barrel, insulating it better than unhedged competitors facing current spot prices near $140.
Summer 2027 Fare Warnings for Passengers
Passengers could face higher ticket costs next year if market conditions persist. Ryanair warned that if high oil prices continue into summer 2027, short-haul fares across Europe will rise significantly. The airline added that less-hedged carriers may struggle to maintain capacity or survive the winter season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ryanair cutting winter flights?
Ryanair is reducing winter capacity by two million seats and up to 13,000 flights to avoid purchasing jet fuel at elevated market prices near 140 dollars per barrel.
Which airports are affected by the Lufthansa cuts?
Lufthansa’s cancellation of 20,000 flights will impact routes through major hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Rome, Zurich, and Brussels.
Will Czech travelers be affected?
Lufthansa routes connecting Prague to hubs in Frankfurt and Munich are expected to experience disruptions from the German carrier’s capacity cuts.
How much are fuel prices affecting airlines?
Jet fuel trades near 140 dollars per barrel, with Lufthansa reporting that fuel costs have doubled since the onset of the conflict in Iran, prompting widespread flight reductions across European operators.
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