Ryanair has slightly lifted its outlook for ticket prices after reporting strong early bookings for 2026, signalling sustained demand across its European network. The Irish low cost carrier said January delivered two of the strongest booking weeks in its history, with average fares edging higher. As a result, the airline now expects to recover last year’s decline in ticket prices and add a modest increase on top. Despite the improved outlook, management cautioned that fare growth later in the year is likely to remain limited, reflecting competitive pressures and consumer sensitivity. midday trading in London, shares in Ryanair were down around 3 percent after analysts noted that while results were solid, they did not exceed elevated market expectations. The update nonetheless points to resilience in travel demand as the airline enters the next financial year.
For the year ending in March, Ryanair is forecasting after tax profits, before exceptional items, of between 2.13 billion euros and 2.23 billion euros, up from 1.6 billion euros a year earlier. Chief Financial Officer Neil Sorahan said the airline expects to offset the 7 percent fall in fares recorded last year and achieve low single digit growth. Looking ahead to the new financial year starting on 1 April, Chief Executive Michael O’Leary said pricing increases are likely to remain modest. He also warned that labour disputes in several European countries could disrupt operations, with potential strike action under discussion in Germany and Belgium as talks with pilots and cabin crew continue. These risks remain a key factor in the airline’s outlook despite improving demand indicators.
Ryanair also provided an update on aircraft deliveries, noting progress in resolving earlier delays. O’Leary said deliveries from Boeing are improving, with the final four aircraft from the airline’s current order potentially arriving earlier than expected. He added that the first 15 of 150 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered on time ahead of the summer 2027 season. For the final three months of 2025, Ryanair reported an after tax profit of 115 million euros, excluding an exceptional charge linked to a fine from Italy’s competition authority. The airline said it remains confident that the penalty will be overturned on appeal, maintaining a positive outlook as capacity and demand continue to stabilise.
