Budget airline Ryanair's profits fly in first quarter

RYANAIR’S quarterly profits have more than doubled following the Irish carrier’s benefit from elevated airfares and a later Easter period.

- GUY TAYLOR

After-tax profits surged by 128% to €820 million (£710m) during the three months ending in June, accompanied by a 21% rise in ticket prices.

Revenues climbed by a fifth to €4.34 billion as the budget airline recorded a 4% uptick in passenger volumes to 57.9m, achieving a load factor of 94%.