EASYJET TO CUT 700,000 MORE WINTER SEATS OVER FUEL COSTS

EasyJet plans to remove a further 700,000 seats from its winter flight schedule in response to rising fuel costs, according to chief executive Kenton Jarvis. The reduction follows an earlier cut of around 600,000 to 700,000 winter seats made earlier this year, Jarvis told the Financial Times. EasyJet typically offers around 50 million seats across its winter season, which runs from October to the end of March, meaning the latest cut represents roughly two days' worth of flying. Jarvis said capacity reductions are happening "across all competitors" in the industry. He described the persistence of high fuel prices as "quite a surprise" for the sector.

Jet fuel costs have risen sharply since the Iran conflict began in February, with prices roughly doubling, according to the report. The International Air Transport Association said in June that airlines would spend an extra $100 billion (£74 billion) on jet fuel this year as oil prices rose following the conflict. Iata director general Willie Walsh told the organisation's annual general meeting in Rio de Janeiro that jet fuel prices were expected to be 70 per cent higher year on year. Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary said in September that low fares could not continue if oil prices remained at current levels, warning that fuel costs could push summer 2027 fares up by 15 to 20 per cent.

O'Leary said he remained optimistic about demand for air travel despite short-term pressures, citing uncertainty around the political situation in the United States as a factor affecting the outlook. EasyJet has not yet issued its own public statement confirming the scale or timing of the new seat cuts beyond Jarvis's comments to the Financial Times. The Independent said it had contacted easyJet for comment. No further detail on specific routes or flights affected has been confirmed.