EasyJet cuts 1.4 million winter seats due to fuel costs

EasyJet plans to cut an additional 700,000 seats from its winter flight schedule, bringing its total cuts this season to around 1.4 million seats—roughly equivalent to two days of flights, according to statements made by its CEO to the press.

CEO Kenton Jarvis stated that the company is reducing capacity on quieter flights to avoid paying higher fuel costs, which nearly doubled following the outbreak of the conflict in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He added that prices have begun to fall but remain much higher than airlines had anticipated, despite European carriers hedging part of their exposure.

Ryanair cut some flights on quieter Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and weekends, and reduced its annual passenger target by about two million passengers. CEO Michael O'Leary expects fuel costs to remain high for another 18 months.

Wizz Air announced a 5% reduction in its winter capacity. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that rising fuel costs will add $100 billion to the industry's expenses this year, alongside environmental regulatory burdens that could impact ticket prices.

What do these terms mean?

Capacity: The number of seats or flights offered, usually reduced during off-peak seasons to manage costs.

Fuel Hedging: An advance commitment to purchase fuel at an agreed price to reduce exposure to volatility, though it rarely covers the entire volume.

Emissions Trading System: A regulatory mechanism under which airlines pay for their carbon emissions, raising their operational costs.