easyJet has reduced its planned European capacity for winter 2026/27 by 2.8%, removing around 1.1 million seats from its schedule and the equivalent of approximately 45 flights per day. The cut is significantly smaller than Ryanair’s 7.5% reduction, as airlines adjust schedules amid higher fuel prices, changing market conditions and uncertainty over winter demand.
The figures, based on an OAG comparison of schedules filed on 7 September and 18 October, show that easyJet’s reductions are concentrated in several key markets. Planned capacity in Italy fell by 4.1%, while Milan Malpensa declined by 5.9% and London Luton by 5.2%. Switzerland recorded a smaller overall reduction of 1.5%, although capacity on the Zürich–Naples route dropped by 58.3%.
Other European carriers have also reduced their winter schedules, including LOT, down 11%, and airBaltic, down 5.1%. Ryanair’s broader reduction is separate from its decision to remove 1.1 million seats and 20 routes from Belgium’s winter schedule after the planned increase in the country’s aviation tax. The tighter market is expected to reduce seat availability and could put upward pressure on fares, particularly on routes affected by substantial frequency cuts.