From 95 million in the same period a year ago and higher than the 95.3 million that analysts had expected, Bloomberg News reports.

Sales revenue rose as expected, from 1.35 to 1.4 billion euros, and ancillary revenue rose 12 percent.

The company reiterates its forecast for the financial year's results, but with some caution as this depends on the extent of disruptions that will occur as a result of negotiations with the pilot union.

Ryanair's forecast is for fares to fall by 3 percent during the financial year, but a slight increase is expected in the fourth quarter due to the timing of Easter this year compared to last year. However, the company does not generally share other airlines' fare optimism for the summer.

Source: Nyhetsbyrån Direkt