Ryanair warns up to 20 per cent of fuel supply at risk

Ryanair has warned of potential disruptions to aviation fuel supplies in Europe from June if the conflict in the Middle East does not end quickly. Around 10 to 20 per cent of supplies could be at risk, potentially forcing airlines to cut capacity or cancel flights during the crucial summer season, chief executive Michael O’Leary said.

The airline said it is in daily contact with suppliers and, for now, expects the situation to remain stable until the end of May.

Similar signals have come from Lufthansa. Chief executive Carsten Spohr said the company is already seeing early warning signs in Asia, where some airports are limiting operations due to fuel shortages. Lufthansa is preparing for possible disruptions, particularly outside Europe, and has already secured more than 80 per cent of its fuel needs for 2026.

Ryanair said any cuts would mainly affect airports facing the most severe supply constraints. It added that ticket prices have not yet been affected by the conflict and expects them to rise modestly by three to four per cent in the spring.

Europe is heavily dependent on fuel from the Gulf, increasing the market’s sensitivity to developments in the conflict. The UK, which imports a significant share of its oil from Kuwait, is seen as particularly exposed.

(reuters, pir)