easyJet gives key update with 'uncertainty' over fuel

easyJet gives key update with 'uncertainty' over fuelThe airline said it expected to report a headline loss before tax of between £540 million and £560 million for the six months to the end of MarchCommentsTravelSteven Smith Content Editor09:52, 16 Apr 2026Updated 10:03, 16 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesMany Brits will soon be jetting off(Image: John Lamb via Getty Images)EasyJet has revealed that the Middle East conflict has cost it roughly £25 million in inflated jet fuel prices last month. The Luton-based carrier said it anticipated reporting a headline pre-tax loss of between £540 million and £560 million for the six months ending in March.‌Oil prices – which significantly influence the cost of jet fuel – surged following Iran's grip on tankers navigating through the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has brought "near-term uncertainty around fuel costs and customer demand", easyJet disclosed.‌Bookings have dropped by two percentage points for the three months ending in both June and September when compared with last year.‌View 3 ImageseasyJet has issued an update(Image: PA)The alert about larger-than-anticipated first-half losses sent easyJet shares tumbling by as much as 9% during early trading on Thursday, before stabilising around 3% down.The airline's boss has explained the current position and its preparations for the busy summer season.‌Kenton Jarvis, easyJet chief executive, said: "Our H1 financial performance worsened year on year, impacted by the conflict in the Middle East and the competitive environment in some markets."Following our busiest Easter holiday period ever, the operational ramp-up into peak summer continues as planned."EasyJet's financial strength from our investment grade balance sheet and £4.7 billion of liquidity means we are well placed to navigate current geopolitical challenges while remaining focused on our medium-term targets."‌Asked about the impact on fares, Mr Jarvis said “pricing remai...