Jan 3, 2025, 8:09 AM
Jan 3, 2025, 8:09 AM

Ryanair and Wizz Air surge in passenger numbers despite December disruption

Highlights
  • Ryanair carried 13.6 million passengers in December, an 8% increase from the previous year.
  • Wizz Air also saw a rise, transporting 5.1 million passengers, up 1.9% year-on-year.
  • Despite rising passenger numbers, airlines are experiencing a decline in average airfares due to economic pressures.
Story

In December 2024, budget airlines Ryanair and Wizz Air experienced an increase in passenger numbers, overcoming significant disruptions at major UK airports during the festive season. Ryanair reported carrying around 13.6 million passengers, showcasing an 8% rise compared to December of the previous year, while Wizz Air transported 5.1 million passengers—a 1.9% increase year-on-year. Despite adverse weather conditions including fog that severely affected flights at Stansted and Gatwick airports, both airlines demonstrated resilience during this peak travel period. Ryanair managed to operate over 77,000 flights in December, achieving a high load factor of 92%, indicating robust demand for its services. The airline's overall passenger numbers for 2024 reached a total of 197.2 million, also reflecting an 8% growth from the prior year. Wizz Air's total for the year climbed to 62.7 million passengers, marking a 3.9% increase. While both companies celebrated rising passenger counts, airlines faced growing challenges due to decreasing average airfares, which pressured profit margins amidst high inflation and increased living costs. Throughout the year, Ryanair disclosed a notable decline in average airfares by approximately 10%. This drop in prices was a direct response to the consumer spending pressures resulting from higher interest rates and increased costs of living. Nevertheless, Ryanair and Wizz Air's ability to grow passenger numbers despite these economic challenges and operational disruptions signifies the ongoing demand in the budget airline sector. Ultimately, this surge in numbers showcases that, in the context of economic pressures and operational challenges, budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air can still attract significant passenger volumes, highlighting their resilience and adaptability. The situation also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of such fare reductions and the implications for profitability in the context of fluctuating economic conditions.

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