Ryanair soaring before pilot disaster

Bungling Ryanair grew passenger numbers by 10% last month – despite its cancelled flight chaos.

The Irish airline, which axed thousands of flights due to a pilot rota mess, carried 11.8 million passengers in September – one million more than a year ago.

The firm said the figure included the first of a wave of 2,100 flights cancelled in September and October. It comes amid reports that Ryanair pilots are being investigated over the way in which they are employed by the company. Pilots claim the airline imposes complex structures in which many are classed as self employed.