EasyJet has issued a warning over summer flight bookings, revealing that sales have fallen behind last year's figures amid uncertainty stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The budget airline confirmed that it has sold 58% of its seats for the six months ending September, a drop of two percentage points compared to the same period in 2025.
Financial Performance and Fuel Costs
The carrier posted a half-year pre-tax loss of £552 million, which falls within the range outlined in its April trading update, compared to a loss of £401 million the previous year. EasyJet cautioned that its financial performance through to the end of September will be impacted by the conflict, which is driving up fuel costs and creating 'near-term uncertainty around customer demand'. The airline revealed last month that the conflict cost it approximately £25 million in elevated jet fuel prices in March alone.
Oil prices, which significantly influence jet fuel costs, surged following Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz. Concerns have been raised that some UK flights could face cancellation due to potential fuel shortages. However, EasyJet chief executive Kenton Jarvis insisted the airline is 'not seeing any disruption to fuel supply', encouraging passengers to 'book with confidence'. He added: 'Despite conflict in the Middle East creating near-term uncertainty, easyJet is well placed to manage the current environment, supported by one of the strongest investment-grade balance sheets in European aviation.'
Last-Minute Bookings Up
Despite the overall decline, last-minute bookings made within the month of departure are actually up year-on-year, suggesting that travellers are adopting a wait-and-see approach.
Jet2 Summer 2026 Update
On a more positive note, Jet2 announced on Wednesday that production has increased and additional imports are arriving from regions unaffected by the Middle East conflict. A statement on Jet2's website reads: 'These positive developments mean that Jet2 is continuing to look forward to taking customers on their well-deserved holidays this summer.'
Jet2 has confirmed it will operate as normal throughout the summer. It was among the first UK airlines and tour operators to guarantee customers that no additional charges would be applied to any booked flights or holidays to cover rising costs, such as jet fuel. The airline also reaffirmed its reputation as a consumer champion by pledging that customers will continue to benefit from flexibility and swift refunds in the unlikely event of any flight or holiday cancellations.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Jet2 earned widespread praise for its quick and efficient refunds, unlike many other companies in the industry, and has confirmed it will continue to follow its guiding principle of putting customers first.
