Ryanair is cutting its winter flight schedule and lowering its passenger target for the financial year ending March 31, 2027, as higher jet fuel prices squeeze the airline’s costs.
The airline has trimmed its passenger forecast from 216 million to 214 million, saying the cut will limit its exposure to unhedged fuel purchases during the weaker winter season, which runs from November through March.
Jet fuel has recently traded at around $140 a barrel — roughly twice the $67 a barrel at which Ryanair has hedged 80% of its fuel needs for the current financial year.
Winter capacity cuts to reduce losses
Ryanair expects passenger numbers from April through October to reach about 145 million, up more than 5% from roughly 138 million a year earlier. In August alone, the airline carried 22.2 million passengers, 6% more than the same month last year.
The winter capacity reduction should cut seasonal losses by €70 million to €100 million. Ryanair still expects to be profitable for the full financial year, though profits will likely fall short of last year’s record.
Ryanair warns of higher fares in 2027
Ryanair warned that European short-haul airfares could rise sharply in 2027 if oil prices stay elevated through next summer. Airlines with weaker fuel hedges may be forced to cut capacity or could run into financial trouble over the winter.
The airline has also adjusted parts of its network due to geopolitical disruption, suspending 17 routes to Amman, Jordan, over the summer. Service to the Jordanian capital is expected to resume initially from Budapest, Bucharest, Madrid and Vienna.
If fuel prices stay near current levels, European travelers should expect fewer flights and higher fares in 2027.