Ryanair

Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary warned that the Middle East conflict has pushed jet fuel prices sharply higher and many carriers are not hedged, which could drive European air fares up 10–20% next year and prompt bankruptcies and takeovers. Ryanair was largely hedged for 2026 but is about 85% unhedged for 2027, with only 15% of 2027 fuel covered at $85 a barrel while spot rates are roughly double. The airline also announced cuts of 20 routes and over one million seats from Belgium’s winter schedule after a domestic aviation tax increase. » More on theguardian.com

Ryanair will halve its offering in Berlin from this winter and criticises high passenger costs caused by poorly filled airports and an air traffic tax that has not been abolished. CEO Eddie Wilson calls Germany "the worst market in Europe" and also criticises the preference for a national airline champion instead of better short‑haul solutions. The carrier warns of long‑term consequences for the competitiveness of Germany's aviation location. » More on manager-magazin.de

Ryanair is relocating seven aircraft based in Berlin and will suspend flights to Bremen from April 2027; overall about 1.2 million seats per half-schedule period for routes to and from Germany will be lost. The airline blames high aviation taxes and charges for the cuts; Lufthansa also reports capacity reductions and calls for federal relief. Industry associations warn of a “gradual decoupling” of Germany from international air traffic and demand swift measures to restore competitiveness. » More on faz.net