Ryanair first-half profits fall 7pc after widespread strikes

Ryanair's first half to September profits fell seven per cent to EUR1.2 billion, the low-cost airline announced Monday, after widespread strike action by pilots and cabin crew disrupted operations.

In a statement, the Irish firm maintained its net profit estimate for its current financial year to March 2019 of EUR1.1-1.2 billion (USD 1.27-1.38 billion) -- down 12 per cent -- owing to two pan-European strikes that forced it to cancel hundreds of flights.

Ryanair said this forecast -- which it had cut earlier this month -- reflected "higher fuel, staff and EU261 costs" -- referring to EU legislation which mandates passenger compensation in cases of delays or flight cancellation.

"While ancillary revenues performed strongly, up 27 per cent, these were offset by higher fuel, staff and EU261 costs," said CEO Michael O'Leary.

"Our traffic, which was repeatedly impacted by the worst summer of air traffic control disruptions on record, grew six per cent."