More airline bankruptcies could follow if conflict in the Middle East drags on for at least two more months, according to a senior executive at Buzz, the Polish leisure airline owned by Ryanair.
Michał Kaczmarzyk, president of Buzz, said the risk of further failures remained real this year. He linked that outlook to pressure on carriers during the winter season, when demand is weaker and profits are harder to make.
The comments come as airlines continue to face an uncertain operating environment, with geopolitical tensions affecting flight paths, fuel costs and passenger confidence. Kaczmarzyk said the scenario was not far-fetched if the conflict persists.
Speaking about the winter months, he said: “Zimą nikt nie zarabia”.
The warning reflects a broader concern across the travel industry that prolonged instability could push weaker airlines into financial distress. Carriers with limited cash reserves are often the most exposed when demand softens, while operational costs remain high.
In the aviation sector, winter is usually the toughest period of the year. Leisure airlines in particular rely on holiday demand, which can ease when temperatures fall and travellers cut back on non-essential trips.
Kaczmarzyk’s remarks also point to the impact that external shocks can have on airline balance sheets. Conflict in the Middle East has already affected air traffic patterns in the region, with some routes altered or avoided for safety and commercial reasons.
For airlines, even a short disruption can have a knock-on effect. Rerouting flights can increase costs, while uncertainty can weaken bookings and reduce revenue during a period when many carriers are already under pressure.
The Buzz chief did not name any specific airline at risk, but his warning suggests the market could see more consolidation or failures if conditions do not improve. Smaller and less diversified operators are generally the most vulnerable in periods of prolonged volatility.
The travel industry has repeatedly shown how quickly external events can affect airline finances. From fuel spikes to conflict-driven route changes, carriers can move from relative stability to crisis if several pressures hit at once.
Buzz operates as part of the Ryanair group and serves a key role in the low-cost aviation market. The warning from its president underlines how closely airline fortunes remain tied to demand, costs and geopolitical events.
While Kaczmarzyk did not give a timetable beyond the current year, his comments suggest the coming months may be decisive. If the Middle East conflict continues and winter demand stays weak, more airlines could come under strain.
