EasyJet sees strong summer bookings despite Middle East conflict

The airline's shares closed over 2% higher

EasyJet said it was able to mitigate the impact of the war in Gaza thanks to capacity growth in areas where demand was rising, and that bookings had recovered since late November.

EasyJet has forecast a smaller first-half loss and strong summer bookings, boosting its shares despite a writedown of about £40m (€46.7m) due to the conflict in the Middle East.

The airline reported a first-quarter headline loss before tax of £126m, compared with a loss of £133m a year ago. Its shares closed over 2% higher.