Ryanair Predicts Record Annual Profits, Announces First Regular Dividend Amid Fare Increase and Post-Covid Travel Demand Surge

Record surge of 24% in average fares and 11% increase in passenger numbers attributed to peak summer travel period propel Ryanair towards record high annual profits, with robust forward bookings expected for the upcoming Christmas peak season.

Ryanair reported a 24% increase in average fares, pushing passenger numbers up by 11% to a record 105.4 million in the six months leading up to September, setting the carrier on course for record annual profits.
The airline predicts a record annual after-tax profit between €1.85bn and €2.05bn, surpassing its previous record of €1.45 billion euros in 2018.
Despite the surge in profits, Ryanair cautioned that its results remain 'highly dependent on the absence of any unforeseen adverse events,' highlighting the volatility of the airline industry.
For the first time in its history, Ryanair has announced it will pay regular dividends to its shareholders, with the first payment of 200 million euros due in February, followed by another in September.
The airline plans to add over 200 new routes in the next year, including its first flights to Albania; however, there are concerns about potential delays in the delivery of key aircraft from Boeing.