The heatwave in Ireland and the UK has hit Ryanair’s annual forecast, with the company admitting there has been a decline in bookings in Ireland and most of the UK as people stay at home.

Ryanair launched five routes from Cork airport while claiming that with a little bit of initiative the Government could bring millions of extra tourists to Ireland.

Ryanair published record profits yesterday but had a rollercoaster day on the stock market, losing 5% of its value before returning to positive territory by the close of trading.

AER LINGUS sparked a price war yesterday after it slashed air fares in a battle to win the skies over Europe.