Passenger surge a boost for EasyJet

Budget airline EasyJet lifted its profit expectations yesterday after a rise last month in the number of passengers travelling from the UK to beach destinations boosted sales.

A total of 4.8 million passengers travelled with EasyJet in September, an increase of 8 per cent compared to last year.

The airline said this would lift total revenues per seat in the fourth quarter by at least 6 per cent, reflecting demand for "UK to European beach and city routes".

The group increased its profit hopes for the year to 30 September to "slightly ahead" of 150 million, which was the top end of its previous forecast of 100m to 150m.

The impact of the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud disruption earlier this year has also been slightly downgraded from 65m to 60m, as clarity emerges over compensation claims.