EasyJet is slashing flights again, cutting hundreds of thousands more seats from its winter 2026–27 schedule as the airline battles persistently high jet‑fuel prices and wider cost pressures. The latest reductions deepen a pattern of repeated cutbacks across the year, signalling a tougher winter ahead for travellers.

Another major round of cuts

easyJet has confirmed it will remove a further 600,000–700,000 seats from its winter programme, on top of the 700,000 seats already cut earlier in 2026. In total, the airline is now stripping out around 1.3–1.4 million seats, roughly 3% of its winter capacity — equivalent to two full days of flying across its network.

The winter season runs from October 2026 to March 2027, a period when airlines typically reduce frequencies, but this year’s cuts are significantly deeper than usual.

Why easyJet is cutting flights again

Across all sources, the explanation is consistent: fuel costs have surged following geopolitical conflict in Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Jet‑fuel prices have nearly doubled, and airlines are struggling to absorb the impact.

Key factors driving the cuts:

Soaring fuel prices: IATA warns airlines will spend $100 billion more on fuel in 2026.

Exposure to spot fuel prices: Even with hedging, easyJet remains vulnerable to volatile market rates.

Industry‑wide reductions: Ryanair and Wizz Air have also trimmed winter schedules, signalling a sector‑wide squeeze.

Apollo takeover pressures: easyJet’s new ownership is pushing for tighter cost control.

easyJet’s CEO Kenton Jarvis says the airline is “reducing its use of more expensive fuel” by scaling back capacity — a move he describes as unsurprising given competitors are doing the same.

Which flights are affected?

easyJet has not published a full route list, making it difficult for passengers to know exactly which services will disappear.

What we do know:

Cuts will be spread across the network, focusing on multi‑daily routes where passengers can be moved to alternative flights.

The reduction affects seat availability, not necessarily booked flights — though some cancellations are likely.

Travellers may see fewer frequency options on popular winter routes, especially city breaks and mid‑week services.

This comes on top of easyJet’s broader retrenchment, including the removal of six airports from its network since 2025 — most recently Leeds Bradford, which will lose all easyJet flights in January 2027.

What passengers should do

Check your booking frequently: Changes are being made in advance, but not all passengers will be notified immediately.

Look for alternative flights: easyJet typically consolidates flights rather than cancelling entire routes.

Expect higher fares: Reduced capacity across Europe is already pushing prices up, according to industry analysts.