EasyJet PLCHigher fuel costs from US-Iran conflict drive 70% profit drop; EasyJet's partial hedging leaves exposure.
Europe’s budget airlines are feeling the impact of higher fuel costs linked to the US-Iran conflict, with both Ryanair and EasyJet reporting sharp profit declines. EasyJet posted a 70% drop in pre-tax profit to £85 million for the April-to-June period, down from £286 million a year earlier, while Ryanair’s after-tax profit fell 34% to €538 million, missing analyst forecasts of €579 million. Ryanair has hedged 80% of its fuel needs through March 2027 at $67 per barrel and recently locked in 15% of next year’s requirements at $85 per barrel, providing greater protection against price swings. EasyJet has hedged 72% of its fuel at $726 per metric ton but remains exposed to volatility, with every $100 per metric ton movement equating to roughly £35 million in fuel costs. Both carriers face uncertainty from last-minute summer bookings and consumer hesitancy, though Ryanair’s extensive hedging offers more near-term cost visibility.
EasyJet PLCHigher fuel costs from US-Iran conflict drive 70% profit drop; EasyJet's partial hedging leaves exposure.
Ryanair Holdings plcHigher fuel costs cause 34% profit miss; extensive hedging mitigates but does not eliminate impact.