Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary said on Apr. 2 that the United Kingdom is among the countries most vulnerable to jet fuel shortages this summer, warning of possible mass flight cancellations as oil prices approach $200 a barrel.
The potential for widespread disruptions comes as airlines face rising costs and supply constraints linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The situation is particularly acute for the UK, which depends on Kuwait for about a quarter of its oil imports. This reliance leaves it exposed if shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are restricted.
O’Leary said, “Of all the European countries at the moment, the one that is most vulnerable is the UK because of the market share that the Kuwaitis have here. There could be a surplus of jet A-1 fuel in the Middle East, but you still have to ship it to Europe, and we don’t know when or how that happens.” He also noted Ryanair has hedged much of its fuel needs until March 2027 but cautioned that financial protection would not shield airlines from physical shortages: “If there’s an availability shortage hit across Europe and in particular into London or Manchester or Birmingham airports then we’d have to start looking at cancelling some flights or taking some capacity out.”
Other carriers such as United Airlines have already cut schedules by up to five percent ahead of summer. The UK government has downplayed concerns over airport fuel blackouts, advising travelers to book holidays as usual. In contrast, European Union officials are urging citizens to consider road and rail alternatives instead.
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Looking ahead, O’Leary said he had received assurances about stable supplies through May but acknowledged uncertainty beyond that point. He indicated Ryanair would likely make network cuts only if specific airports faced local shortages rather than trimming less profitable routes overall.
