Ryanair Sees Easter Bookings Surge as Travelers Shun Middle East

Ryanair has reported a significant increase in bookings for Easter travel to European destinations as concerns over the escalating conflict in the Middle East deter travelers from the region. The airline’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, stated that while the surge is noticeable for the Easter holidays, he does not anticipate a lasting impact on broader booking trends.

Middle East Conflict Disrupts Travel

The ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has caused widespread disruption to global air travel, leading to the closure of key transit hubs in the Middle East. This has also contributed to a surge in oil prices, with analysts predicting weeks of continued disruption. Hundreds of thousands of travelers have been stranded or diverted due to airspace closures in countries including Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

Ryanair’s Response and Repatriation Efforts

O’Leary highlighted a “big collapse” in bookings to the Middle East and a corresponding “big surge” in bookings for short-haul flights within Europe. Ryanair is currently prioritizing the repatriation of customers stranded in Jordan, acknowledging limited capacity to assist with broader repatriation efforts. “Our focus is our customers who are currently stranded in Jordan,” O’Leary said during a news conference in Warsaw.

Oil Price Impact and Hedging Strategy

The conflict has driven up oil prices, rising approximately 30% so far this year, potentially increasing jet fuel costs for airlines. However, Ryanair is well-hedged against rising oil prices, with coverage secured at around $67 per barrel for the next 12 months through March 2027. O’Leary confirmed this would not affect the airline’s costs or fares.

Expansion in Warsaw and Passenger Numbers

Ryanair announced plans to double its operations at Warsaw’s Modlin airport, increasing the number of planes based there to seven. The airline also reported a 6% increase in passenger numbers for February, carrying a total of 13.3 million passengers compared to 12.6 million the previous year. The airline’s load factor remained steady at 92%, with over 75,000 flights operated during the month.

Other Airlines Affected

Numerous airlines have cancelled or rerouted flights in response to the escalating situation. Emirates, PIA, and Iberia Express are among those that have announced cancellations or advisories. In India, IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express cancelled a combined 138 flights.