EasyJet Reduces Losses Despite £40m Impact from Middle East Conflict

Passenger numbers rise and bookings recover strongly from late November, despite ongoing conflict.

EasyJet reported a loss before tax of £126 million between October and December 2023, down from £133 million during the same period in 2022.
The airline expects a direct impact of £40 million due to the Hamas-Israel conflict, relating to the suspension of flights to Israel and Jordan, and a decrease in demand for trips to Egypt.
Despite the conflict, passenger numbers increased by 14% year on year, and the airline saw a significant recovery in bookings from late November.
EasyJet CEO Johan Lundgren indicated that summer airfares across the sector could face upwards pressure due to challenges competitors face in getting their aircraft, and delivery delays by aircraft manufacturer Boeing.
EasyJet has reached a deal with CFM to supply 314 Leap-1A engines to power the 157 Airbus aircraft in the A320neo range it has a firm order for, as well as spare engines.