Ryanair warns of flight cancellations risk due to fuel shortage
Company CEO Michael O'Leary stated that this summer the airline might face disruptions in jet fuel supplies and in such a case would be forced to consider cancelling some flights or reducing its flight program.
Michael O'Leary. Photo: Fernando Sanchez / Europa Press via Getty Images
According to him, the main problem now is not so much the price of fuel, but rather whether it will be possible to deliver it to Europe at all amidst the conflict around Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz area. Reuters writes that the carrier is already monitoring the situation with suppliers almost daily.
O'Leary notes that the risk could manifest as early as June, with British and European logistics, tied to supplies from Kuwait among other sources, appearing most vulnerable. Ryanair has not yet announced price increases specifically due to the conflict, although the company had previously expected ticket prices to rise by 3-4% year-on-year.
Reuters also notes that the first signs of fuel shortages are already visible in Asia: some airlines there have started limiting or cancelling flights.