Ryanair traffic hits 22.2 million in August.
In August 2026, Ryanair reported 22.2 million passengers, up from 21 million over the same period the previous year. Over 400 flights were cancelled as a result of Mount Etna eruptions, despite the airline operating over 120,500 flights during the month.
Despite Q2 rates, which were guided in July, trending slightly lower year over year, the carrier posted summer traffic increase (April to October) of more than 5%, jumping from 138 million to 145 million passengers in S26. Despite falling short of FY26’s record profit after tax (PAT), the business is nevertheless well-positioned for another lucrative year with 80% of its FY27 jet fuel hedged at about USD 67 per barrel. It is still too early to offer detailed PAT recommendations.
Ryanair is deliberately lowering its exposure during the often losing winter schedule (November to March) due to high spot oil prices, with jet fuel now selling at about USD 140 per barrel. As a result, the airline reduced its overall traffic goal for FY27 from 216 million to 214 million passengers. It is anticipated that traffic from November to March will be essentially unchanged from the previous year.
The airline anticipates that this one-time capacity decrease will reduce their W26 losses by EUR 70 million to EUR 100 million, depending on price and market demand. Ryanair believes that European short-haul fares will significantly increase if high jet fuel costs continue until S27, as fewer hedged competitors find it difficult to sustain capacity or solvency over the winter.
