European Airlines Cut 2.8 Million Winter Seats as Fuel Prices Double
European airlines cut around 2.8 million seats from their winter schedule within a week as jet fuel prices surged to $1,500–$1,600 per ton, up from $700 a year ago.
European airlines have cut around 2.8 million seats from their 2026/2027 winter flight schedule compared to last year, mostly within a single week, according to an analysis reported by newspaper Corriere della Sera based on Cirium data.
British Airways led the reductions with 1.5 million seats, followed by Air France with 1.2 million, and Lufthansa with 1.1 million, while Turkish Airlines exceeded 1 million seats. easyJet, Ryanair, Volotea, Air Dolomiti, airBaltic, and ITA Airways also reduced their flights.
The cuts come after jet fuel prices doubled, currently ranging between $1,500 and $1,600 per ton compared to around $700 a year ago, prompting some airlines to target ticket price increases of 20% to 50%.
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary stated that fuel cost pressure "could continue until 2028."
What Do These Terms Mean?
Jet Fuel: A specialized type of refined fuel used by jet engines, whose price is influenced by global oil market movements and accounts for a large portion of flight costs.
Winter Seats: The number of seats offered to passengers in the winter schedule, defining the capacity ceiling for airlines during this season.
Ticket Price Increases: An increase in airfares to offset rising costs, which is usually passed directly to the traveler.
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