EasyJet has reported a pre-tax loss of £93 million for the three months to 31 December, but has maintained its full-year 2026 outlook, pointing to strong booking momentum and improving operational performance.
The UK-based carrier said passenger numbers for the quarter increased by seven per cent year-on-year, while load factor improved by two percentage points to 90 per cent. Revenue per available seat kilometre (ASK) remained flat compared with the same period last year.
Despite the quarterly loss, easyJet said it had experienced its “largest ever January booking period”, with record levels of both booking volumes and associated revenue. The airline has already sold 63 per cent of its seats for the next quarter, and expects revenue per ASK to increase year-on-year in the low single digits.
Kenton Jarvis, chief executive officer of easyJet, said demand was building well ahead of the peak summer season. “Bookings are building well for the summer season,” he said. “We remain committed to delivering sustainable value and continue to progress towards our medium-term target of generating over £1 billion in profit before tax.”
easyJet said the headline loss, £32 million higher than the same period in 2024, reflected expansion costs linked to new routes, including services to Milan Linate Airport and Rome Fiumicino Airport, as well as ongoing competitive pressure in certain markets.
For the full year, the airline expects capacity to increase by around seven per cent. Its holidays division is forecast to grow by up to 15 per cent, continuing to play a key role in the group’s broader profitability strategy.