Ryanair Flags UK Fuel Risk as Summer Disruption Threat Grows

Ryanair has warned that the UK is the European country most at risk from possible jet fuel shortages if disruption in the Gulf continues.

Chief executive Michael O’Leary said Britain is especially exposed because it relies heavily on Kuwait for part of its jet fuel supply.

Ryanair says the bigger risk is whether enough fuel will physically reach the market. If supply is disrupted for too long, airlines may not be able to operate their full summer schedules.

Fuel prices have jumped, but supply is the bigger concern

The war involving the US, Israel, and Iran has pushed jet fuel prices sharply higher. Recent aviation fuel prices were around $195 per barrel, more than double the average level a year ago. That adds pressure to airline costs at a time when competition remains strong across Europe.

Ryanair says it has some protection from higher prices because it hedged a large share of its fuel at lower levels. But that does not solve the main problem. If there is not enough fuel available at the right airports, airlines may still have to cancel flights or reduce capacity.

The UK could feel the pressure more strongly

The UK imports a significant share of its jet fuel, and Kuwait has become one of its most important suppliers. That leaves Britain more vulnerable if fuel shipments from the Gulf are delayed or reduced.

Airlines are heading into the busy summer season, when schedules are fuller and demand for travel is stronger.

Summer fuel uncertainty could force capacity cuts

O’Leary said airlines still do not have clear reassurance about fuel supply for June, July, and August. If that uncertainty continues, some carriers may need to cut flights or remove capacity from certain routes.

Ryanair also points to pressure from UK aviation taxes

Ryanair also renewed its criticism of the UK’s air passenger duty after the latest increase took effect. The airline argues that higher taxes make the UK less competitive than countries trying to attract more traffic and tourism.

Past shocks show how quickly fuel risk can spread across aviation

Aviation has handled fuel and geopolitical shocks before, but they tend to hit hardest when they overlap with peak travel demand. Fuel disruptions and broader geopolitical turmoil can quickly spread from energy markets into airline schedules, pricing, and traveler confidence.

In that sense, Ryanair’s warning is not only about today’s UK fuel exposure, but also about how fast a supply-side shock can turn into a wider summer operations problem for European aviation.

Photo by Niklas Jonasson on Unsplash