Between July and September traffic on the airline grew by 3% to 17 million passengers.

The company says it now expects full year profits to be higher than previously thought - at €540 million - that's a 7% increase on 2011.

Ryanair's Deputy Chief Executive Howard Miller says a 19% increase in oil costs has not affected fares:

Ryanair sunmits ''radical and unprecedented'' remedies package to the EU

Ryanair says it has submitted a ''radical and unprecedented'' remedies package to the EU - in connection with its offer for Aer Lingus. The €694 million takeover bid is being examined on competition grounds.

The European Commission blocked a previous bid in 2007, saying it would create a monopoly on Irish flights.

In a statement this morning, Ryanair has said the remedies involve two upfront buyers each basing aircraft in Ireland to takeover and operate a substantial part of Aer Lingus' existing route network and short-haul business.

The airline has announced third quarter profits of €18 million - that's up three million on last year - and it says the figures were boosted by stronger than expected pre-Christmas bookings.