Ryanair's Christmas bookings 'strongly ahead', with just 40% of seats available until new year

Ryanair reports robust demand for the upcoming Christmas period, with bookings described as "strongly ahead" and only 40% of seats remaining available until the new year. This strong performance is accompanied by mid- to high single-digit increases in average fares, according to chief executive Michael O'Leary, signaling a healthy revenue outlook for the budget carrier during the peak holiday season.

Meanwhile, British low-cost carrier EasyJet announced better-than-expected full-year operating profit, reaching £703 million (€799 million) for the financial year ending September, surpassing analyst projections of £669 million. The airline also elevated its medium-term target for its high-margin package holiday division, EasyJet holidays, which achieved its previous £250 million pretax profit goal ahead of schedule and now aims for £450 million by 2030. This segment has been instrumental in bolstering EasyJet's financial results, capitalizing on a resurgence in price-controlled package holidays.

Despite a mixed environment for European airlines, which have contended with spiraling operational costs and disruptions from air traffic control strikes, budget carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet have demonstrated resilience. EasyJet, operating an Airbus fleet with CFM engines, has notably avoided the significant servicing delays impacting other airlines reliant on Pratt and Whitney engines. While some larger European carriers faced repercussions from weaker transatlantic travel, Ryanair and EasyJet have effectively navigated these challenges, maintaining strong demand and profitability.