Ryanair says 'no shortage' of travelers despite Iran war denting profit

Ryanair reported a 34% drop in first-quarter profit as travelers delayed bookings during the Middle East crisis, though the Irish carrier insists demand remains robust heading into a challenging winter for European aviation.

The budget airline attributed the profit decline to consumer hesitancy tied to the Iran conflict, which pushed passengers to postpone travel plans. CEO Michael O'Leary has previously warned that European carriers face mounting pressure from overcapacity and weak pricing power during off-peak months.

Despite the earnings hit, Ryanair maintains there is "no shortage" of travelers willing to fly, positioning the shortfall as timing-related rather than a sign of weakening demand. The airline operates one of Europe's largest fleets and typically uses its low-cost structure to weather downturns better than legacy competitors.

The guidance comes as European aviation contends with elevated fuel costs, labor pressures, and uneven demand recovery across markets. Ryanair's commentary suggests the sector's struggles may intensify through the winter travel season.