Ryanair wary despite profits rise

Budget airline Ryanair has reported a 18% jump in half-year profits but said it remained cautious about its prospects in the coming winter season.

The Dublin-based carrier said its net profits rose to a record 237m euros (£160m; $280m) in the six months to the end of September.
Ryanair's half-year results topped analysts' expectations.
But boss Michael O'Leary said: "We... remain cautious in our outlook for the remainder of the fiscal year."
The winter season is traditionally a quieter time for many airlines.

Fuel surcharge
Ryanair said its fuel costs had more than doubled during the six months to 30 September. It added that it expected costs to remain high "for some time".
But the airline said its decision not to impose a fuel surcharge on customers had helped it increase the number of passengers it carried during the period by almost 30% to 18 million.
Ryanair announced it was planning to allow its passengers to gamble during flights.
The company said the move could eventually do away with the need to charge air fares.