Ryanair Profit Doubles to €820 Million on Strong Summer Demand

Ryanair Holdings Plc reported first-quarter net profit of €820 million, more than double the €360 million earned a year earlier and comfortably ahead of the €687.6 million analysts had expected. Revenue rose 20% to €4.34 billion as average fares jumped 21%, passenger numbers increased 4% to 57.9 million and the load factor reached 94%. The budget carrier cited the timing of Easter and robust leisure demand for the performance. Management said forward bookings for the peak summer season are about 1% higher than a year ago and ticket pricing remains “reasonably strong,” although fare increases in the current quarter are expected to moderate from the first-quarter surge. Ryanair reiterated its forecast for full-year passenger growth of roughly 3% to 206 million, constrained by aircraft delivery delays, and said it still aims to recoup most of last year’s 7% drop in fares to achieve “reasonable” profit growth in fiscal 2026. Fleet expansion remains dependent on Boeing. The Irish airline expects the 737 MAX 10 to secure certification late in 2025, with the first 15 of the jets now scheduled for delivery in spring 2027. Chief Financial Officer Neil Sorahan cautioned that Ryanair could pause further deliveries if U.S. import tariffs are imposed, insisting any levies would be borne by Boeing under fixed-price contracts. Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary said there is growing optimism in Washington that commercial aircraft will be exempt and, if duties are introduced, they are likely to be short-lived.