Ryanair to cut winter flights as fuel costs bite

Ryanair said Wednesday that it would reduce its winter schedule in Europe as the Irish no-frills airline and other carriers come up against higher fuel costs caused by the US-Iran war, according to The Local Italy. The move is expected to have significant consequences for Italy, where Ryanair is the dominant carrier at many regional airports.

The cut comes as the airline industry worldwide grapples with a surge in jet fuel prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Ryanair, which has built its business model on ultra-low fares and high aircraft utilisation, is particularly exposed to fuel price spikes, and the winter schedule reduction is a direct response to the cost pressure.

For Campania, the news is a concern. Naples' Capodichino airport has become a major Ryanair hub in recent years, with the airline's routes connecting the city to dozens of European destinations. A reduction in winter flights could affect the region's tourism sector, which has been working to extend its season beyond the summer months.