Ryanair, the biggest low-fare airline in Europe, on Wednesday lowered its winter traffic target to reduce exposure to high unhedged oil prices, and warned the some of its less well-hedged competitors could struggle to survive this winter amid high fuel costs.
Since the Iran war slashed deliveries of crude oil and petroleum products from the Middle East, rising jet fuel prices have eaten into the profitability of all airlines globally.
Ryanair is one of the most hedged airlines, with about 80% of fuel costs hedged at $67 per barrel. However, the remaining unhedged 20% is highly exposed to the jet fuel prices currently trading at about $140 per barrel, Ryanair said in its August 2026 traffic stats.
In light of the high unhedged oil prices, "it is sensible to strategically reduce the Group's exposure to unhedged jet fuel during the unprofitable winter schedule (from Nov. to Mar.)," the budget airline said.
Ryanair cut its winter traffic target to 214 million from 216 million passengers, expecting traffic to be broadly flat year-over-year.
#airline
Since the Iran war slashed deliveries of crude oil and petroleum products from the Middle East, rising jet fuel prices have eaten into the profitability of all airlines globally.
Ryanair is one of the most hedged airlines, with about 80% of fuel costs hedged at $67 per barrel. However, the remaining unhedged 20% is highly exposed to the jet fuel prices currently trading at about $140 per barrel, Ryanair said in its August 2026 traffic stats.
In light of the high unhedged oil prices, "it is sensible to strategically reduce the Group's exposure to unhedged jet fuel during the unprofitable winter schedule (from Nov. to Mar.)," the budget airline said.
Ryanair cut its winter traffic target to 214 million from 216 million passengers, expecting traffic to be broadly flat year-over-year.
#airline
1 day ago
