Budget airline EasyJet has revealed plans to increase its ticket prices in response to a rise in jet fuel costs. The airline will be raising its minimum fares by £2 or £3 for the upcoming winter season due to a decrease in bookings for the crucial summer months. Factors such as concerns over the Iran conflict, financial worries, and lengthy queues at passport control have contributed to the decline in demand among British travelers.

EasyJet reported a 58% booking rate for flights between April and September, a drop compared to the same period last year. Despite the challenges, the airline anticipates that its average summer fares will remain similar to those of the previous year. CEO Kenton Jarvis emphasized that customers are adopting a cautious approach, with a wait-and-see attitude likely to persist throughout the summer, ensuring competitive pricing.

Jarvis reassured customers that EasyJet has ample jet fuel reserves and does not anticipate flight cancellations. He highlighted the diversification of fuel sources, mentioning increased production in regions like Norway, West Africa, and the Americas, along with expanded jet fuel refining capacities outside the Gulf region.

Addressing concerns about escalating fuel costs, Jarvis affirmed that EasyJet is committed to honoring the prices at the time of booking without imposing additional fuel surcharges. The airline faced a £25 million surge in fuel expenses in March due to the Middle East conflict, prompting the fare adjustments. EasyJet also announced a thorough review of discretionary expenses, hinting at potential cost-saving measures but refraining from confirming any job cuts at this stage.

Jarvis criticized the delays caused by new fingerprinting and facial scanning checks in European airports, labeling the situation as unacceptable for customers. He urged EU countries to follow Greece’s lead in suspending biometric checks for British citizens to prevent disruptions during the busy summer period. While advocating for the suspension of these checks during peak travel times, he advised passengers to arrive early to avoid inconvenience.

The airline’s half-year losses swelled from £401 million to £552 million, reflecting the challenges faced by holiday-oriented airlines that typically generate significant revenue during the summer season.