Easyjet sees losses nearly double

Low cost airline Easyjet has said its half year losses have almost doubled because of higher fuel costs and the tough economic environment.

The carrier reported pre-tax losses for the six months to the end of March of £153m ($250m), up from a loss of £79m on a year ago.

Higher fuel costs accounted for £43m of the increase in losses from last year.

Passenger numbers grew 12% to just under 24 million, nearly two-thirds of whom now come from outside the UK.

The six-month period is historically a quieter trading period for airlines.

“The past six months has been tough with sharply rising fuel costs combined with cautious behaviour by consumers and an adverse impact from taxes on passengers,” said Carolyn McCall, Easyjet’s chief executive

“Despite this difficult environment we have made strong progress over the past six months.”