Budget airline Ryanair on Monday reported stronger-than-expected after-tax profit for the three months through to the end of December.

Ryanair said it expects to take delivery of nine Boeing 737 MAX aircraft ahead of its peak summer season, fewer than expected, and as a result will cut its forecast for passenger numbers in the 12 months to March 31, 2026, to 206 million from 210 million.

The budget airline reported an increase in earnings after passenger numbers and average fares rose in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, but Boeing delivery delays are expected to weigh on the company next year.