In a statement, the company attributed the rise in profits to several factors, including a 3% increase in passenger numbers to 119 million, a stronger Easter, and the recovery of fares in the second quarter.
In the six months to September, the average fare was 58 euros, up 13% from the same period last year (52 euros).
Revenues grew by 13% to 9.817,5 million euros, while operating costs increased by 4% to 6.957 million euros.
Citing the statement, the company’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, criticized Brussels for “having done nothing in the last 14 months to improve European competitiveness,” echoing the recommendations of the Draghi Report.
Ryanair adds that European airlines have been calling for a balanced plan in terms of environmental charges or changes to air traffic controller-related legislation.
O’Leary added that in winter, Ryanair will allocate part of the capacity “to regions and airports that have reduced their airport fees and encourage traffic growth, such as Sweden, Slovakia, Italy, Albania, and Morocco,” which will replace flights and routes from “high-cost and less competitive markets like Germany, Austria, and regional Spain.”
According to the airline’s president, this is a trend that will continue.
In the current fiscal year, ending March 31, Ryanair now expects to transport 207 million passengers, an upward revision from the previous figure (206 million), for a growth of 3%.
This revision is based on Boeing deliveries earlier than expected and strong demand in the first half.
The Irish company also anticipates growth of up to 300 million passengers by the fiscal year 2034 due to several factors, including increased consolidation in the sector and the exit of loss-making airlines from routes where they cannot compete on price.
