Ireland’s ultra-low-cost airline and Europe’s largest by traffic
Ryanair has reported a 34% drop in after-tax profits for the April–June quarter, citing unhedged jet-fuel costs and a 6% fall in fares. The airline still grew passenger numbers to 61.3 million, but revenue rose only 1% as costs climbed and near-term outlook remains uncertain amid Middle East tensions and UK/EU disruptions.
A Ryanair-operated Boeing 737 suffered an engine issue on July 10 near Thessaloniki, Greece, prompting an emergency landing. An eyewitness saved a passenger who was pulled from the aircraft after an acrylic window shattered by debris; NTSB is leading the probe. Officials say the aircraft’s engine had been serviced recently, and the incident remains under investigation.
European airlines are shifting routes and cancelling flights due to a looming jet fuel shortage caused by the ongoing Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure. The International Energy Agency warns Europe has about six weeks of fuel left, risking widespread disruptions this summer.
Since February, over 500 million barrels of oil and gas have been removed from the global market due to the Middle East conflict, causing the largest supply disruption in modern history. Countries are shifting to coal and renewables, but long-term impacts threaten energy markets worldwide.
UK authorities are coordinating with airlines and remaining refineries to safeguard jet fuel supply amid rising costs tied to the Iran war and disruption in Middle East shipping routes. Government and industry sources say airlines continue normal operations, but more flexibility and gear-up in stock management are under way as prices remain volatile.
Airlines face higher jet fuel costs amid the Iran war, with easyJet warning summer bookings are behind last year while Ryanair and Heathrow report mixed demand. Airlines hedge fuel and adjust fares, while passengers shift to later bookings and longer rail trips.
Airlines have adjusted summer schedules and are temporarily suspending select routes in August–September because jet fuel costs have surged since the Iran conflict closed key shipping lanes. Carriers including American, easyJet and others have reduced seats, delayed route launches or paused services; travelers are being offered refunds or rebooking and face higher fares and fees.
The UK government is developing a scheme to share information on disruptive or intoxicated passengers across airlines. Airlines would be alerted if a previously unruly traveller checks in again, enabling them to refuse carriage. The plan aims to close a loophole where a passenger banned by one airline can still fly with others.
Lebanon has begun rehabilitation on a second airport in Akkar with aims to be operational in weeks and full service by November 2026. Officials say the project will create jobs in a poor province; the airport could host flights to Mersin, Istanbul and Dubai, with plans for further destinations.
Airlines face higher fuel bills as Middle East tensions push jet fuel prices up. IATA forecasts profits will halve in 2026 while fares rise to cover costs; some carriers warn of tougher times ahead as demand stays resilient.
The rich are trimming in-flight luxuries and adopting simpler cabins to cut costs and avoid conspicuous consumption. Aviation insiders say owners are streamlining crew and services while private-charter markets push for speed and efficiency. In contrast, critics note enduring excess among some peers.
Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National and Dulles International face intermittent flight suspensions during America 250 events, with the MWAA warning that airspace closures could affect schedules through late summer. Travelers are urged to monitor updates and contact airlines for changes.
Britain’s CMA is investigating Ryanair’s mandatory family-seat fee, assessed at around £8 per flight, to seat parents with children aged 2-11, amid concerns it may be unfair under consumer law and could involve drip pricing. Ryanair defends the policy as compliant and cost-saving for families.
Ocado is facing questions over Tim Steiner’s pay and potential succession amid a slide in its share price to below its 2010 flotation level. The board is considering replacements as shareholders voice concerns over pay proportionality and performance.
Ryanair has adjusted its family seating policy following an CMA investigation. Adults travelling with children will no longer be charged to sit with their kids; free parent seats will be allocated at the back of the aircraft. The CMA continues to assess compliance, while Which? Travel welcomes the move as a step toward fairer treatment.
MAG has reported growth in passenger numbers for the year to 31 March, with Manchester Airport leading gains. Profits have risen as revenues climb, despite geopolitical tensions. Heathrow warns of softer demand amid the Iran-US war.
EasyJet has agreed in principle to a 6.90 per‑share offer from Castlelake, valuing the carrier at about £5.5 billion, with the board saying terms are at a value they would be minded to recommend if a formal bid is tabled. Apollo Global Management has emerged as a rival bidder, widening Europe’s airline M&A contest. Regulators remain a hurdle.
A Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen has returned to Thessaloniki after a passenger window dislodged in flight. A 61-year-old Serbian man has friction burns and is being treated in hospital. Passengers were transported on a replacement aircraft to Germany.
Readers are confronted with firsthand accounts of travel mishaps from the Independent and The Guardian, detailing family trips that spiral from ordinary to chaotic, and a New York City escape that turns into a hospital odyssey.
A Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen experienced a window dislodgement shortly after takeoff, causing rapid decompression. A Serbian passenger was pulled halfway out of the cabin but was pulled back inside by his wife and fellow passengers. Investigations are under way with multiple authorities involved.
Flights from Gatwick were diverted after a late-night technical fault prompted a temporary runway closure. Several planes landed safely at alternate airports, with passengers facing delays and disrupted onward travel; authorities emphasise safety as the priority.