Ryanair says Brussels attacks still dampening demand

The attacks on Brussels in March continue to dampen demand for flying in Europe, though traffic was strong during the Easter holidays, Ryanair CE Michael O'Leary said Wednesday. O'Leary last month predicted Ryanair's profits would fall by E10-20m in January-March as a result of the Brussels attacks and air traffic control strikes, and forecast airlines would have to cut fares. BA-owner IAG and Lufthansa in recent days cited the Brussels attacks as a factor in trimming growth plans for the year. "The Brussels effect has dampened demand into April-May though funnily enough it did not create as much disruption over the Easter period, but I think that's because a lot of families had holidays booked," O'Leary said. He said Brussels Zaventem airport, where suicide bombs killed 16 people, would be back up to full capacity by the end of June and the impact on summer demand would depend on whether there were further attacks. "The danger for us is that you have one or two more of these events somewhere in Europe during the summer and that will effect confidence," he said.<br/>