Oil costs increase easyJet losses

Budget airline easyJet today said its half-year losses had widened to £31m (€45m) after fuel costs leapt by 51% over the past 12 months.

EasyJet said the performance was in line with expectations and the pressure of high fuel prices had masked successes elsewhere, including a 25% increase in the number of passengers on its flights and a 26% hike in group revenues to £553m (€804.3m).