Major airlines have raised concerns about winter costs, with mounting pressure causing airlines such as EasyJet and Lufthansa to cut back on flights, possibly creating higher airfares for flights that do go ahead. Other carriers that have expressed concerns include Ryanair, whose CEO Michael O’Leary has talked about the crisis.
Mounting pressures on airlines this winter
EasyJet has confirmed the cutting of 1.4 million seats this winter, commencing between October and March 2026. Customers have been warned about the possibility of their flights being cancelled, as well as higher airfares due to capacity constraints, as suggested by Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary in a recent annual general meeting.
New winter schedules have now been put in place by airlines, with EasyJet and Lufthansa confirming reduced services on some flight routes. With lower travel demand during the colder months, airlines have at times faced bankruptcy or significant debt. Reports on the rising fuel prices due to the Iran conflict have affected airlines notably hard, as communicated by Reuters on Sept. 18, 2026, which reports that.
“Soaring fuel and borrowing costs have overtaken aircraft shortages as the biggest concern for jet financiers, delegates at a major industry meeting said this week, signalling a shift in sentiment after years of supply-driven disruption.”
There are carriers that have recently faced bankruptcy, such as airBaltic and Spirit Airlines, which is indicative of the intense hardships that airlines are facing as a consequence of the rising fuel prices. This is supported by Reuters, which reported,
“Recent market turmoil has reinforced the change in mood, including airBaltic’s bankruptcy filing, a surge in oil prices linked to advances by Yemen’s Houthis in the Middle East war, and a jump in U.S. Treasury yields.”
Ryanair warns other airlines
The price of jet fuel rose by 121% year-on-year between April 2025 and their April 2026 peak globally, according to IATA data, making this winter especially difficult for carriers to deal with the loss of supply and demand.
Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary spoke at a European press conference in which he spoke about hedging concerns, saying,
“We’re less protected into next summer, as are all of the other airlines”
whilst discussing the problems that will affect carriers after the winter ends.
As most airlines begin to lose their hedge, many carriers have begun to combat the cost of fuel by delivering higher airfares to customers.
Would winter fare cuts affect your travel? Let us know in the comments!
