Overview
- Ryanair announced it will reduce its winter schedule and lower capacity to limit losses, a move the airline confirmed on Wednesday as oil and jet‑fuel prices jumped.
- The carrier trimmed its passenger target for the year to 214 million from 216 million and said the temporary winter cuts should cut losses by €70 million to €100 million.
- Ryanair said most of its jet fuel for the current fiscal year is hedged at roughly $67 per barrel, which the company says should preserve an overall profit for 2026/27 despite a weaker net‑profit outlook.
- The airline warned that European short‑haul fares could ‘increase significantly’ if elevated oil and kerosene prices persist into 2027, putting pressure on low‑cost travel budgets.
- Ryanair’s actions reflect a familiar seasonal tactic for a Europe‑focused low‑cost carrier that typically runs losses from November to March and is especially exposed to fuel‑price swings that raise operating costs and could force further cuts or higher ticket prices.