No-frills carrier easyJet has recorded a better-than-expected annual profit haul as strong demand for its package holidays helps offset more difficult trading for its airline.

The Luton-based group posted a 9% rise in headline pre-tax profits to £665 million for the year to September 30, up from £610 million in 2023-24 and higher than the £650 million most analysts were expecting.

Its growing holidays business was the star performer, with annual earnings surging 32% to £250 million, seeing the group meet its earnings target early.

This resulted in the group hiking the earnings target for it holidays arm to £450 million by 2029-30.

But annual headline profits at its airline dropped to £415 million from £420 million the previous year, and it said the carrier’s performance has been “more

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