Ryanair’s decision to cut 2 million seats from its winter schedule will provide relief to other European airlines facing seasonal losses. For the first time since the pandemic, the airline is not increasing capacity between November and March, projecting 214 million seats for the full financial year—a 3% increase and the lowest annual growth in a decade. The move, driven by high kerosene prices averaging $152 per barrel due to the US-Iran war disrupting Gulf supplies, aims to save Ryanair up to €100 million despite hedging most fuel at $67 per barrel.

Rivals like easyJet may benefit as reduced winter supply eases industry-wide financial pressure. Airline bosses note that later bookings, fueled by geopolitical and economic uncertainty, also pressure profits. Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary has warned weaker carriers could fail if fuel prices stay high.

While the cuts protect profitability, they may limit passenger options. The shift reflects a broader industry focus on protecting margins over market share, a theme echoed in recent earnings calls.