Ryanair CEO predicts Wizz Air and airBaltic may face bankruptcy amid fuel crisis

16 articles · Updated · Simple Flying · Apr 26

Michael O'Leary warns both airlines could exhaust cash reserves by winter, citing surging jet fuel costs above $150 per barrel and lack of fuel hedging.
Ryanair, which hedged 80% of its fuel at $67 per barrel, faces increased costs but expects to carry over 216 million passengers this year. Wizz Air disputes O'Leary's claims, citing strong liquidity.
Ongoing Middle East conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions have driven up fuel prices, threatening airline finances and causing share prices to drop. airBaltic recently saw its credit rating downgraded despite a government loan.

Why is Wizz Air expanding during the fuel crisis while airBaltic faces collapse?

As fuel prices surge, is the era of Europe's ultra-cheap flight permanently over?

Europe has only weeks of jet fuel left. What is the plan to keep planes flying?

With US airlines abandoning hedging, is Ryanair's strategy now an outdated risk?

Delta owns a refinery for fuel security. Should more airlines follow this model?

Can sustainable aviation fuel be developed fast enough to end this cycle of crises?