Ryanair faces jet-fuel cost pressures and summer booking jitters as Europe eyes fuel shortages; Europe's top ultra-low-cost carrier, led by CEO Michael O'Leary.
The CMA has launched an investigation into Ryanair’s mandatory family seat policy, which requires at least one parent to sit with children aged 2-11 and charges about £8 per flight. The CMA is assessing whether this practice complies with consumer law and whether drip pricing is at play. No conclusions have been reached yet.
As of April 2026, United Airlines has increased checked baggage fees to $45 for the first bag and $55 for the second across the US, Mexico, Canada, and Latin America. JetBlue also raised fees, charging up to $49 for the first bag during peak times. These hikes respond to soaring jet fuel prices caused by Middle East tensions disrupting oil supplies, notably through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz blockade caused by Iran's conflict with Israel has drastically reduced oil shipments, leading to fuel shortages in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Airlines warn of potential jet fuel disruptions in May and June, with some countries already experiencing temporary fuel shortages and rising prices.
Europe has faced jet fuel supply disruptions since late February due to the Iran war closing the Strait of Hormuz. Airports warn of shortages within weeks, risking flight cancellations and fare hikes this summer. Airlines like Ryanair and easyJet have reported fuel cost surges and potential operational impacts, while the EU plans to boost refining capacity to mitigate the crisis.
European airlines are shifting routes and cancelling flights due to a looming jet fuel shortage caused by the ongoing Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure. The International Energy Agency warns Europe has about six weeks of fuel left, risking widespread disruptions this summer.
Since February, over 500 million barrels of oil and gas have been removed from the global market due to the Middle East conflict, causing the largest supply disruption in modern history. Countries are shifting to coal and renewables, but long-term impacts threaten energy markets worldwide.
UK authorities are coordinating with airlines and remaining refineries to safeguard jet fuel supply amid rising costs tied to the Iran war and disruption in Middle East shipping routes. Government and industry sources say airlines continue normal operations, but more flexibility and gear-up in stock management are under way as prices remain volatile.
Airlines face higher jet fuel costs amid the Iran war, with easyJet warning summer bookings are behind last year while Ryanair and Heathrow report mixed demand. Airlines hedge fuel and adjust fares, while passengers shift to later bookings and longer rail trips.
Airlines have adjusted summer schedules and are temporarily suspending select routes in August–September because jet fuel costs have surged since the Iran conflict closed key shipping lanes. Carriers including American, easyJet and others have reduced seats, delayed route launches or paused services; travelers are being offered refunds or rebooking and face higher fares and fees.
The UK government is developing a scheme to share information on disruptive or intoxicated passengers across airlines. Airlines would be alerted if a previously unruly traveller checks in again, enabling them to refuse carriage. The plan aims to close a loophole where a passenger banned by one airline can still fly with others.
Lebanon has begun rehabilitation on a second airport in Akkar with aims to be operational in weeks and full service by November 2026. Officials say the project will create jobs in a poor province; the airport could host flights to Mersin, Istanbul and Dubai, with plans for further destinations.
Airlines face higher fuel bills as Middle East tensions push jet fuel prices up. IATA forecasts profits will halve in 2026 while fares rise to cover costs; some carriers warn of tougher times ahead as demand stays resilient.