Airlines operating from Northern Ireland airports have offered differing views on jet fuel supply risks ahead of summer travel. Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary indicated possible cancellations starting in May if Middle East disruptions persist. EasyJet stated it plans no schedule alterations.

Ryanair runs services from Belfast. O’Leary said the airline has secured 80% of its fuel needs until March 2027. He assessed a 10% to 25% supply risk for May and June should issues continue. The airline reports current fuel supplies as secure with no flights cut.

EasyJet provides Belfast flights to UK and European destinations. The airline confirmed operations run as normal with no fuel supply problems. It has hedged 70% of jet fuel needs for summer. Executive Kenton Jarvis noted supply visibility to mid-May. He said airlines plan fuel three to four weeks in advance.

Aer Lingus cancelled over 500 flights, mostly from the Republic of Ireland, due to aircraft maintenance. A spokesperson stated the changes affect 2% of the schedule, with most passengers rebooked on same-day services. No impact on Northern Ireland services was mentioned.

Fuel concerns stem from Middle East oil supply limits. International Energy Agency director Fatih Birol stated Europe has about six weeks of jet fuel remaining before peak summer demand.