Brussels, (Unib Rashid) — Irish budget airline Ryanair has announced plans to reduce its winter flight schedule as it seeks to limit the impact of sharply rising fuel prices, warning that persistently high energy costs could lead to more expensive airfares next year.

The airline said on Wednesday that it would operate fewer flights than originally planned during the winter season, which runs from November through March. Ryanair said the move was necessary to reduce its exposure to fuel costs during what is traditionally an unprofitable period for airlines.

Energy prices have risen significantly in recent months amid the conflict in the Middle East, putting additional pressure on airlines’ operating costs. Ryanair, however, is partly protected through fuel hedging, a practice under which airlines purchase fuel in advance at fixed prices to shield themselves from market volatility.

The company has hedged around 80 per cent of its kerosene requirements at approximately $67 per barrel, while the current market price for kerosene is around twice that level.

Despite this protection, Ryanair said it was taking a cautious approach by “strategically limiting exposure to unhedged aircraft fuel during the unprofitable winter season.”

The reduced schedule means Ryanair does not expect passenger numbers to grow during the winter compared with the same period last year. As a result, the airline has also lowered its passenger forecast for the full financial year ending in March 2027.

Ryanair now expects to carry approximately 214 million passengers, down from its previous forecast of 216 million.

Summer is traditionally the busiest and most profitable period for airlines, while demand tends to weaken during the winter months, often resulting in losses. Ryanair expects the reduction in its winter schedule to help contain those losses at around €70 million, with total losses for the period estimated at approximately €100 million.

The airline’s decision highlights the growing pressure facing the aviation sector as airlines contend with elevated fuel costs and geopolitical uncertainty, while attempting to balance passenger demand with rising operating expenses.