Ryanair has cautioned over ongoing steep hikes in air fares as it posted a 59% jump in first-half earnings after record summer demand and higher prices offset rising fuel costs.It warned that restrained air capacity across Europe and engine repair woes for some of its rivals is set to mean average fares will remain firmly in double digits this winter.
Rising prices, together with a marked recovery in demand for air travel over Easter and the summer, helped counter a 29% rise in first half fuel costs to help it post a 59% surge in after-tax profits, to 2.18 billion euros for the six months to September 30. It flew 11% more passengers at 105.4 million over its first half, with the group hailing its highest ever passenger numbers over the peak summer months.