easyJet Warns of Rising Airfare Prices at the End of Summer: What Do We Know?

Airfares in Europe could rise significantly at the end of summer due to the situation in the fuel market. Find out why easyJet has warned of rising prices, which destinations are already losing popularity, and what passengers can expect

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By the end of summer 2026, airfares in Europe could rise significantly. According to a report by Reuters, this was stated by Kenton Jarvis, CEO of easyJet, one of Europe’s largest low-cost carriers. According to him, the price increase is primarily linked to the situation on the fuel market amid the war in Iran, and passengers may feel the real impact of this factor closer to the end of the summer season.

Why does easyJet predict higher ticket prices?

As Reuters reports, the British airline easyJet has hedged a significant portion of its fuel needs for the coming months in advance. This is what is currently allowing the carrier to mitigate the effects of price fluctuations. At the same time, some of these hedges will begin to expire by the end of summer, meaning that future ticket prices will depend directly on fuel prices at that time.

Kenton Jarvis explicitly warned that price pressures will eventually affect consumers. According to him, passengers may see more significant changes in flight costs by the end of summer. While the market itself expects prices to fall, the company is currently unable to predict whether they will return to previous levels.

Back in January, easyJet reported that it had hedged:

● 84% of its fuel needs for the first half of 2026;

● 62% for the second half of 2026;

● 43% for the first half of 2027.

The average fuel cost under these contracts was $715, $688, and $671 per metric ton, respectively. This currently allows the company to better control costs, but this protection will weaken toward the end of summer.

Jarvis also noted that fuel for delivery in six months is currently available at a price below $1,000, but overall the situation remains “highly unpredictable.” Because of this, easyJet cannot accurately assess what the long-term impact of the conflict on demand will be.

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How is the war in the Middle East affecting the aviation market?

Separately, Reuters notes that the conflict in the Middle East is already changing travelers’ behavior. In particular, demand for flights to Turkey and Cyprus is declining. Instead, tourists’ interest is shifting toward the western Mediterranean, primarily Spain.

According to Jarvis, the eastern Mediterranean is losing popularity, while the western Mediterranean is becoming more in demand. This means that airlines may adjust their route policies based on demand. easyJet has already indicated that it will reduce flight frequency on routes where several flights currently operate daily.

For travelers, this is another sign to book trips in advance and check alternative routes at the same time. In particular, if air travel becomes more expensive or less convenient, it’s worth comparing bus and train options as well. You can do this via Visit Ukraine, where a booking system for all modes of transport is available—this approach offers greater flexibility in travel planning.

According to Reuters, aviation fuel accounts for about a third of airlines’ costs. That is why any fluctuations in the fuel market quickly affect the entire industry. easyJet is not the only carrier that has already warned of the risk of price hikes: Air France-KLM and SAS have also stated that they will be forced to raise ticket prices.

At the same time, Finnair has also warned of another risk—the potential depletion of aviation fuel supplies due to Iran’s de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz. All of this makes the market situation increasingly unpredictable.

In addition to rising costs, the market is also concerned about passengers’ reaction to geopolitical instability. As the head of easyJet noted, after the start of russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, booking volumes dropped for six weeks. This indicates that major crises affect not only prices but also people’s willingness to travel.

That is precisely why the current situation is doubly difficult for airlines: on the one hand, fuel costs are rising; on the other, it is not entirely clear how demand for various destinations will change in the coming months.

We remind you! European airlines are increasing the number of direct flights to Asia and Africa due to instability in the Middle East. Read how this will affect travel and what new routes have already appeared.

Photo: Gray StudioPro / Freepik

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