Ryanair Profit Jumps 35%, Warns of Operational Uncertainty from Iran War

(Central News Agency, Dublin, 18th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) Irish low-cost airline Ryanair announced its annual financial report today, stating that in the 12 months ending this March, its after-tax profit increased by 35% year-on-year, reaching €2.17 billion (approximately NT$79.8 billion); however, the war in the Middle East still casts a shadow over its operational outlook for the coming year. Agence France-Presse reports that in its most recent fiscal year, Ryanair's revenue grew by 11% to €15.5 billion as ticket prices increased. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary stated in a statement: "With almost zero visibility for the second half of the year and the potential for sharp fluctuations in fuel prices and supply, it is currently difficult to provide a meaningful profit forecast for the 2027 fiscal year." Since the outbreak of the US-Iran war at the end of February, oil prices have surged, leading to a significant increase in aviation fuel costs. Ryanair noted that it has hedged 80% of its fuel needs until April 2027 at a price of $67 per barrel, which should help mitigate the impact of severe fluctuations in the oil market on profits. However, Ryanair also emphasized that its full-year outlook remains "vulnerable to adverse external factors," including an escalation of the situation in the Middle East. (Translator: Kao Chao-fen / Editor: Hung Pei-ying) 1150518