Ryanair CEO warns airlines could fail as fuel prices surge

Ryanair CEO warns that sustained high jet fuel prices, driven by Strait of Hormuz disruption, could push weaker European airlines into collapse. | Contesto: cronaca

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• Ryanair CEO warns airlines could fail as fuel prices surge

Contesto

Michael O’Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, has warned that some European airlines could fail if jet fuel prices remain elevated through the summer, citing ongoing disruption around the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking amid a sharp rise in fuel costs in recent weeks, O’Leary said that carriers without adequate hedging arrangements face “real financial difficulties” and that sustained high prices could push weaker operators into failure. O’Leary noted that Ryanair is relatively protected after hedging most of its fuel requirements, insulating the low-cost carrier from the full impact of the price surge. However, he cautioned that competitors without similar cover are vulnerable. Industry data confirms that jet fuel prices have climbed significantly, compounding pressure on an airline sector already grappling with thin margins and post-pandemic recovery challenges. The warning comes as geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments—have disrupted supply routes. Officials have warned that Europe could face fuel shortages if Middle Eastern supplies are not replaced, raising the stakes for airlines that rely on stable and affordable fuel to maintain operations. For Ryanair, the hedging strategy provides a buffer, but the broader industry faces an uncertain summer. Smaller carriers, particularly those with less financial flexibility, may struggle to absorb the additional costs. O’Leary’s remarks highlight a growing divide between airlines that have locked in fuel prices and those exposed to volatile spot markets. The situation underscores the fragility of the European aviation market, where even short-term price spikes can have outsized effects. With summer travel demand expected to peak, any further disruption to fuel supplies could accelerate consolidation, as stronger airlines weather the storm while weaker ones risk being grounded. Analysts are watching closely to see whether governments or industry bodies will step in to mitigate the impact, but no immediate measures have been announced. The question remains: how many airlines can sustain the pressure if jet fuel prices stay high through the peak season?

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Categoria: cronaca