EasyJet has reported a decline in summer flight bookings compared to last year due to uncertainties arising from the conflict in the Middle East. The budget airline disclosed that it has sold 58% of its seats for the six months ending in September, marking a two-percentage-point decrease from the same period last year.
Although overall bookings are down, last-minute bookings made within a month of departure have increased year-on-year. EasyJet faced a pre-tax loss of £552 million for the first half of the year, compared to a £401 million loss in the previous year, in line with its earlier projections.
The airline anticipates a negative impact on its financial performance until September due to the ongoing conflict, leading to higher fuel costs and uncertainty in customer demand. Rising oil prices, influenced by tensions in the Middle East, have escalated jet fuel expenses, raising concerns about potential fuel shortages affecting UK flights.
Despite these challenges, EasyJet’s CEO, Kenton Jarvis, assured that the airline is not experiencing disruptions in fuel supply and encouraged passengers to book confidently. Jarvis emphasized the airline’s ability to navigate the current environment with a robust balance sheet.
In contrast, Jet2 announced an increase in production and additional imports from unaffected regions, signaling a positive outlook for the airline. Jet2 affirmed its commitment to operating normally throughout the summer without imposing extra charges on customers to offset rising costs like jet fuel.
The company reiterated its dedication to customer satisfaction by ensuring flexibility and swift refunds in case of flight or holiday cancellations. Building on its reputation for customer-centric practices during the Covid pandemic, Jet2 remains focused on prioritizing customer well-being and service excellence.
