Ryanair profits hit by strikes, fuel prices and EU compensation costs

Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary said: “While we successfully managed five strikes by 25% of our Irish pilots this summer, two recent coordinated strikes by cabin crew and pilots across five EU countries has affected passenger numbers (through flight cancellations), close in bookings and yields (as we re-accommodate disrupted passengers), and forward air fares into Q3.

“While we regret these disruptions, we have on both strike days operated over 90% of our schedule. However, customer confidence, forward bookings and Q3 fares has been affected, most notably over the Oct school mid-terms and Christmas, in those five countries where unnecessary strikes have been repeated.

“These strikes have also added to our EU261 costs while, at the same time, our unhedged fuel costs have jumped as oil prices rise to $82pbl which affects 10% of volumes, and all of Laudamotion’s fuel bill.”

Ryanair said all customers affected by changes to its bases in Europe have been contacted and would be re-accommodated and/or refunded.

It said it would now enter into a period of consultation with pilots and cabin crew at the three European bases affected to “minimise job losses”.

“We expect to offer our pilots vacancies at other Ryanair bases but, as we have a large surplus of winter cabin crew, we will explore unpaid leave and other options to minimise cabin crew job losses,” said the airline in a statement.

Ryanair has also warned it cannot rule out “further disruption” during Q3 which could force it further adjust down its full-year profit forecast and make further adjustments to its winter capacity.