Ryanair to cut winter flights in Europe as fuel costs rise

Ryanair said Wednesday that it would reduce its winter schedule in Europe as the Irish no-frills airline and other carriers face higher fuel costs caused by the US-Iran war, according to The Local Italy. The announcement signals a broader squeeze on European aviation as geopolitical tensions drive up energy prices.

The decision is likely to have an outsized impact on Italy, where Ryanair has become a dominant carrier for both domestic routes and connections to other European cities. The airline operates from numerous secondary airports across the country, many of which depend heavily on its traffic to sustain local economies and tourism.

Higher fuel costs have already contributed to rising airfares across the continent, and the winter schedule cut is expected to reduce capacity on routes that are less profitable during the colder months. The Local Italy reported that the move comes as the industry grapples with the ripple effects of the conflict between the United States and Iran.