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We reported recently about Ryanair reducing flights this winter from Stansted - reducing unprofitable routes over the quieter winter period. Today, easyJet has also announced it will reduce Stansted flights by around 12%. Rather than run flights with little or no profit, instead the airline will reallocate capacity to more popular routes (e. g. flight to winter sports destinations such as the Alps) and stop other routes. In a statement by the airline, it said 'In the current environment, flexibility is vital and easyJet continues to review its schedule and may make further adjustments to eliminate unprofitable flying and to seize any opportunities that may arise as capacity exits the market. ' Fuel costs now account for approximately 50% of an airlines running cost and Ryanair said their profit is expected to fall by 85% in the next quarter. Although budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet attract more passengers (Ryanair up 19% compared to previous year), the cost of fuel has doubled and making a profit, especially with agressive price cutting across all airlines, is much harder. Several airlines have gone bust in the last 12 months including EOS Airlines, Silverjet and Maxjet. Its expected that more will go bust in the next 12 months as the global credit crunch takes affect, oil prices remain high, and competition for passengers increases.