Budget airlines including Ryanair, Transavia and Volotea are cutting flights as higher jet fuel prices squeeze margins and force carriers to trim capacity.
The price pressure is linked to the Middle East war, which has driven up fuel costs for European airlines. Transavia, the low-cost arm of Air France-KLM, has already said it will cancel some flights in May and June.
The cuts show how quickly rising operating costs are feeding through to low-cost carriers, which rely on tight cost control and high seat occupancy to stay profitable. Airlines typically hedge fuel costs, but persistent spikes can still hit earnings and force schedule changes.
Ryanair and Volotea are among the other budget operators feeling the strain, according to the report. The latest reductions underline the vulnerability of short-haul leisure travel when fuel markets become unstable.
Jet fuel is one of the biggest expenses for airlines, and its price movements can shape route planning, fares and aircraft use. When costs rise sharply, carriers often respond by deferring expansion, cancelling weaker routes or reducing frequencies on less profitable services.
For passengers, the cuts can mean fewer choices on some routes in the coming months and potential changes to summer travel plans. Budget airlines have built their business models around dense schedules and low fares, so even modest cost increases can have a wider impact on networks.
Analysts have long warned that low-cost airlines are especially exposed to fuel shocks because they have less room to absorb higher expenses than larger network carriers. With demand for travel still strong in many markets, airlines are trying to protect revenues while limiting the impact on customers.
The report did not give full details of the number of flights being cancelled by each airline. But it said Transavia expects cancellations in May and June as it adjusts to the higher cost environment.
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