Ryanair reported robust ticket sales on Monday. The Irish budget carrier said summer demand is high across its 37-country network. “Demand is strong everywhere,” Chief Financial Officer Neil Sorahan told Reuters.
Profit Fell but Fares Are Bouncing Back
For the year to March 31, Ryanair’s profit dropped 16% to €1.61 billion. Weak demand and a dispute with online travel agencies had pushed average fares down 7%. Sorahan said the airline has recovered most of that decline. Average fares rose nearly 7%, ahead of the 4–6% rise forecast in March by CEO Michael O’Leary.
Shares Climb and Executive Bonus Looms
Ryanair shares jumped 3.4% to €23.17 at 07:33 GMT. They had plunged to €13.41 in July after a sharp fall in first-quarter fares. If Ryanair’s share price stays above €21 for 28 days, O’Leary could receive a bonus of nearly €100 million. The shares have held above that threshold since May 2.
Outlook: Fares, Costs, and Bookings
The airline expects year-on-year fare rises of “mid-teens to high-teens” in the three months to June, driven by Easter timing. O’Leary reported that summer bookings are up about 1% versus last year. Ryanair also sees only modest unit-cost increases in the coming year. New aircraft deliveries, fuel hedges, and cost controls should offset higher air-traffic charges and environmental taxes.
Record Passengers and Boeing Deliveries
Despite Boeing delivery delays, Ryanair carried a record 200 million passengers in the past year. The airline still aims to transport 206 million by March 31, 2026. Sorahan said aircraft deliveries are back on track. He warned that Ryanair may defer or cancel Boeing orders if prices rise due to any future EU tariffs.
