EasyJet down 10% as strike-hit April knocks outlook

EasyJet’s outlook has been knocked by a difficult April – with air traffic control strikes trimming profit and the Germanwings crash in France deterring customers from booking – sending its shares down almost 10%.

Europe’s second-biggest budget carrier, behind Ryanair, said it is positioned for continued growth in its financial year to September, having turned a profit in the weaker winter season for the first time.

Yesterday, however, analysts said they would reduce annual profit forecasts to reflect the £25m (€35m) hit from the French air traffic control strikes that led to the cancellation of more than 600 flights.