Ryanair raised 2026 passenger forecast to 208 million amid strong demand, despite lower profits due to a disputed Italian fine.

Citing high demand and early Boeing deliveries, Ryanair increased its 2026 passenger projection to almost 208 million. The airline now anticipates fare growth of 8%–9%, up from a previous 7% estimate. Pretax profit dropped 83% to €24.4 million despite a 6% increase in third-quarter passengers to 47.5 million and higher revenues because of a €85 million provision for an Italian fine of €256 million that it contests. As aircraft delay compensation expired, net finance income fell precipitously. The airline continues to project a full-year post-tax, pre-exceptional profit of €2.13 billion to €2.23 billion, up from €1.61 billion in 2025, but it cautions about the risks posed by changes in the economy, geopolitics, and air traffic control.