Aviation and distribution group Dart plc, which operates the Jet2.com budget airline, maintained its turnover at £273 million but saw a 23 per cent fall in profits to £28.1 million in the six months to September 30.

The Yeadon-based group has reinstated an interim dividend of 0.36p a share after not paying it last year.

Chairman Philip Meeson said: “This trading performance was in line with expectations and reflects the tougher trading environment we are experiencing in the aviation business.”

Jet2.com flew 2.2 million scheduled passengers in the period with the total number of routes served from all bases rising to 94 from 75.

Gross revenue per passenger increased to £20.70 from £15.17, mainly due to sales made possible by its proprietary reservation system.