Ryanair reported third-quarter profit of €30 million after an €85 million charge from an Italian antitrust fine, down from €149 million a year earlier. Revenue rose 9% to €3.21 billion on higher passenger numbers and fares, though the regulatory penalty significantly impacted the bottom line.

The €85 million charge stems from a €256 million fine imposed by Italy's AGCM competition authority in late December. While underlying performance remained solid with passenger traffic up 6% to 47.5 million and a 92% load factor, the regulatory cost erased what would have been a stronger profit.

For the nine-month period, Ryanair still posted a healthy €2.57 billion profit after tax, up from €1.94 billion a year earlier. The airline maintained a strong cash position of €2.4 billion and continues hedging fuel costs for the coming year, though regulatory scrutiny remains a key risk factor.