EasyJet has announced plans to cut between 600,000 and 700,000 additional seats from its winter 2026-2027 flight schedule, on top of an earlier reduction of about 700,000 seats. This means the total number of seats offered during the winter season will be reduced by 1.3 to 1.4 million. The decision comes amid rising jet fuel prices, which have been affected by the ongoing conflict in Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for oil. The British low-cost airline is adjusting its winter capacity, which typically runs from October 2026 to the end of March 2027. EasyJet’s chief executive, Kenton Jarvis, said the additional cuts are aimed at reducing fuel costs during the slower travel months. The airline usually offers around 50 million seats during the winter season. Combined, the two reductions represent about 2.6% to 2.8% of its winter schedule. EasyJet has downplayed the significance of the changes, stating that such adjustments are routine for airlines. A spokesperson told The Telegraph that the changes affect only a small portion of the airline’s operations, though the specific routes or dates were not disclosed. The airline typically makes adjustments on routes with multiple daily flights, allowing passengers to easily switch to another flight if needed. The Telegraph estimates that the latest reduction corresponds to about 3,500 flights. The main goal of the cuts is to reduce EasyJet’s exposure to high fuel prices, which have nearly doubled since the start of the conflict in Iran and the resulting supply disruptions. Kenton Jarvis told The Financial Times that the sharp increase in fuel costs has caught the industry off guard. He noted that many airlines are reducing their capacity in response, and EasyJet is following similar strategies as its competitors. Airlines often buy fuel in advance to hedge against price fluctuations, but this protection is not complete. They still face risks from market prices for the fuel they do not hedge. By reducing its flight schedule, EasyJet aims to minimize the need to purchase fuel at current high prices.