Ryanair warns of tough times ahead despite 26% profit rise

PROFITS grew by 26% at Ryanair last year, but the airline warned of flat earnings ahead in the face of rising fuel costs.

The airline yesterday reported an adjusted after-tax profit of €401 million for the 12 months to the end of March. This was up from a profit of €319m in the previous year.

Adjusted earnings per share were up 25% at 26.97c and full-year revenue rose 21% to €3.63 billion. Pre-tax profits rose from €341m to €421m.