EasyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou’s battle with the airline’s board was dealt a blow today after its bosses won the support of the carrier’s three largest institutional shareholders.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary will pocket nearly €20m after his budget airline swung back into profit today.

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou’s plans for a shareholder uprising at easyJet were dealt a blow today after a major investor backed the airline’s management.