Ryanair H1 Profit Up 42%, Forecast 207 Million

Ryanair reported a roughly 42% rise in first‑half profit after tax to €2.54bn and first‑half revenues up 13% to €9.82bn, driven by higher fares and strong holiday demand. The group carried a record 119 million passengers in H1 (61.2m in Q2), achieved a 96% load factor, and saw average fares rise about 13% in H1 (Q2 fares around €65). Earlier‑than‑expected Boeing MAX deliveries — including 23 MAX 8s in H1 — allowed Ryanair to lift its fiscal‑2026 traffic forecast to 207 million passengers. The board declared an interim dividend of €0.193 per share payable in February 2026, but management said it is too early to give full‑year profit guidance. Executives warned of exposure to geopolitical conflicts, air‑traffic control strikes and aircraft production risks, and CEO Michael O'Leary criticized proposed EU carry‑on rules while saying Ryanair is reallocating scarce capacity to lower‑cost markets and managing modest cost rises with fuel hedges offsetting higher ATC fees.