easyJet Cuts Additional 700,000 Seats from Winter Flights Due to Fuel

easyJet plans to cut between 600,000 and 700,000 additional seats from its winter 2026/2027 flight schedule, raising total reductions for the season to around 1.4 million seats.

The company attributed the decision to jet fuel costs doubling since the outbreak of conflict with Iran in February and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which raised its flight operating costs.

Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary said high fuel costs "may continue until 2028," indicating that cost pressure is not temporary.

The decision reduces the number of seats offered to European travelers in the winter season and could drive ticket prices higher as supply declines. This comes at a time when airlines in Europe face high fuel costs and airspace restrictions that are disrupting their plans for the upcoming season.

What do these terms mean?

Low-cost carrier: An airline that relies on lowering operational costs to sell cheaper tickets, in exchange for paid additional services.

Seat capacity: The total number of seats offered on a route or in a season, and reducing it means fewer flights available to travelers.

Strait of Hormuz: A narrow waterway in the Gulf through which a large portion of global oil tankers pass, and any disruption in it raises energy and transport costs.

Jet fuel: A special type of fuel used by aircraft, representing one of the largest operating cost items for airlines.