Ryanair faces potential cancellations of up to 10% of its flights this summer if the ongoing Iran conflict drives up jet fuel prices further. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for one-fifth of global oil shipments, remains mostly closed, pushing energy costs higher worldwide.
Ryanair CEO Highlights Risks
Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s chief executive, addresses the uncertainty. “We’re all facing an unknown scenario,” he states. “And we are certainly looking at maybe having to cancel 5%, 10% of flights through May, June and July.”
O’Leary urges travelers to book summer flights promptly to sidestep rising fares. He notes potential supply issues from early May if the conflict persists. “Fuel suppliers are constantly looking at the market,” he explains. “We don’t expect any disruption until early May, but if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June.”
The executive estimates a 10% to 25% risk to supplies during those months. “We think there is a reasonable risk, some low level, maybe 10% to 25% of our supplies might be at risk through May and June,” O’Leary says. “Like everyone else in this industry, we hope the war ends sooner rather than later.”
Should the conflict resolve by April and the Strait of Hormuz reopen, supply risks would vanish, he adds. O’Leary describes the situation as a poorly judged escalation without a clear exit strategy and suggests passengers direct frustration toward geopolitical decisions rather than airlines if disruptions occur.
Skybus Suspends Routes Over Fuel Surge
UK carrier Skybus cancels all flights between London Gatwick and Newquay starting Friday, April 3, citing soaring fuel costs and declining bookings. The service, launched in November 2025 under a Public Service Obligation backed by Cornwall Council and the Department for Transport, was set to run until May 31.
Managing director Jonathan Hinkles explains the decision: “The huge rise in the global cost of fuel following the conflict in the Gulf, coupled with a significant drop in new passenger bookings since mid-February’s announcement of the planned closure of the PSO air route, forms an insurmountable barrier to the service continuing through April and May.”
“At a time of great economic uncertainty and steps being taken to conserve energy worldwide, it is neither environmentally nor economically sound for us to continue flying with vastly reduced passenger numbers,” Hinkles adds. He thanks passengers, stakeholders, and staff for their support.
