EasyJet cuts 700,000 more winter seats as fuel costs bite

Yahoo Finance UK·8 Oct 2026·

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Commodity Industry Corporate Action Passenger Airlines

EZJ.LSE ▼

RY4C.XETRA ▼

Summary · why it matters

EasyJet is cutting an additional 700,000 seats from its winter schedule as the low-cost carrier battles rising fuel costs. Chief executive Kenton Jarvis said the extra cutbacks amount to roughly two days' worth of flying capacity, or an average of 3,500 individual flights over the period, and follow a summer decision to remove 700,000 seats. Jet fuel prices nearly doubled after the outbreak of war in Iran disrupted supply chains in the Strait of Hormuz, and although prices have begun to ease they remain well above airline expectations. EasyJet, which has agreed to a £5.7bn takeover by US private equity giant Apollo, hopes the schedule cuts will reduce its reliance on high-cost fuel. Rival Ryanair has trimmed its winter schedule by as much as 4pc, and its boss Michael O'Leary warned high fuel costs could persist for another 18 months, saying airlines face an enormous cost challenge next year. Rising jet fuel costs are expected to deal a $100bn blow to the aviation sector this year, according to industry body Iata, pressure that has already pushed carriers including Spirit Airlines and AirBaltic into bankruptcy.

EasyJet PLC ▼

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