Ryanair Cuts Winter Flights in Europe Over High Fuel Costs

Travelers planning winter trips from Copenhagen should prepare for fewer European flight choices. Ryanair announced it will reduce its European winter schedule to save on fuel. Higher fuel costs stem from the ongoing US-Iran war.

The Irish airline has not yet listed which specific routes will be cut. Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers lowered its full-year target. The passenger target fell from 216 million to 214 million by April 2027.

Ryanair usually loses money between November and March as demand drops after summer. The one-off schedule cut aims to reduce winter losses. It expects to save 70 million to 100 million euros. That amount equals 80 million to 115 million US dollars.

The Dublin-based carrier warned that European short-haul fares will increase materially. Higher fares will continue if high oil prices last through summer 2027. Most fuel for this financial year was secured at 67 US dollars a barrel. That price is far below current market levels.

The Dublin-based company still expects a profitable 2026/27 financial year. However, net profit will stay below the record set in 2025/26. Ryanair achieved a record profit after tax of 2.17 billion euros in 2025/26. This news was originally reported by The Local.