EasyJet CEO slams French air traffic walkouts

EasyJet’s Profit Growth Persists Despite French ATC Strike

British low‑cost carrier EasyJet released its latest earnings statement on Thursday, confirming that its pre‑tax profit jumped by 21 % to £286 million for the June quarter, even as air traffic controller stoppages in France earlier this month wreaked havoc across European skies.

Strike‑Related Costs for EasyJet

• £15 million hit – Two days of French ATC stoppages created unexpected and significant costs for all airlines, EasyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis said.
• Cancelled flights for hundreds of thousands of passengers, “unacceptable challenges” for staff and travelers.

Financial Highlights for June Quarter

• Revenue up more than 10 % – EasyJet’s earnings grew to £2.9 billion, a surge driven by higher demand during the summer holiday season.
• Pre‑tax profit growth – Despite a jump in fuel costs, the carrier remains on course for “good” full‑year profit growth.

Key Takeaway

Even as the early July strike by French air traffic controllers caused widespread flight cancellations, EasyJet’s strong revenue performance and margin resilience demonstrate its ability to weather operational disruptions while maintaining steady upward profit momentum.