Aer Lingus owner IAG sees travel rebound lifting forecasts

For the three months to the end of March, which for many airlines is often loss-making as fewer people travel, IAG said high demand combined with a lower fuel price helped it turn a profit.

IAG, which also owns Iberia, Vueling and British Airways, called the outlook for the summer "encouraging". - Picture David Creedon

Aer Lingus-owner IAG said strong ticket sales for summer travel and a winter season which beat expectations meant 2023 profit would come in above its previous forecasts.

IAG's positive outlook is in line with Europe's major airlines. Lufthansa, easyJet and Ryanair have all pointed to robust summer bookings, showing consumers prioritising travel spend despite high inflation and an uncertain economic outlook.