Ryanair Carries Record 22.2 Million Passengers in July Despite Profit Pressures

Ryanair carried a record number of passengers in July, with more than 22 million travellers flying with the low-cost airline during what is traditionally one of the busiest months of the year.

The airline said passenger traffic reached 22.2 million in July, up 7% from 20.8 million in the same month last year. The latest figure marks the highest monthly passenger total in the company’s history and reflects continued strong demand for air travel across its European network.

Ryanair also maintained a load factor of 96%, meaning almost all available seats on its flights were filled during the month. The airline operated more than 120,800 flights in July, highlighting the scale of its summer schedule.

For the 12 months to the end of July, Ryanair carried a total of 213.2 million passengers, representing a 5% increase compared with the previous 12-month period. The figures reinforce the airline’s position as Europe’s largest carrier by passenger numbers.

The record traffic comes just weeks after Ryanair reported a sharp fall in quarterly earnings, showing that strong passenger demand has not fully offset rising operating costs.

The airline recently announced that profit after tax for the three months to the end of June fell 34% to €538 million. Management said the decline was largely driven by a steep increase in jet fuel costs following disruptions linked to the conflict involving Iran.

Although Ryanair hedges a significant portion of its fuel purchases to protect against price volatility, around 20% of its fuel requirements were not covered, leaving the airline exposed to the surge in oil prices during the period.

The company also pointed to lower average ticket prices as another factor weighing on profitability. Fares fell by about 6% during the quarter as Ryanair continued to stimulate demand through competitive pricing while facing intense competition across the European aviation market.

Despite those pressures, the latest passenger figures suggest travellers continue to respond positively to the airline’s low-fare strategy, particularly during the peak summer holiday season. Strong load factors indicate that Ryanair has been able to fill nearly every available seat even while expanding its operations.

Investors reacted cautiously to the latest developments, with Ryanair shares edging lower in Dublin trading after the passenger data was released. The market remains focused on how fuel prices and pricing competition could affect earnings over the coming months.

The airline has continued to expand its network and flight schedule while benefiting from sustained demand for leisure travel across Europe. With record passenger numbers in July and more than 213 million travellers carried over the past year, Ryanair enters the remainder of its financial year with robust traffic growth, even as higher fuel costs and pressure on fares continue to weigh on profitability.