EasyJet saw record passenger numbers over the summer and is predicting strong annual profits.

The airline said it carried 24.1 million passengers during the three months to the end of September, with 95.6% of seats filled.

EasyJet's profits for the financial year to September 30 are expected to be between £405m and £410m, at the upper end of estimates.

Chief executive Carolyn McCall said: "EasyJet has finished the year with continued positive momentum delivering both a strong final quarter and a strong second half.

"Passenger numbers and load factor in the final quarter set new records and the second half profit was over £100m higher than summer 2016.

"The market continues to be challenging and EasyJet has had to absorb a significant currency impact of £100m in the year.

"However, EasyJet continues to operate Europe's strongest network and the current turmoil in the sector provides EasyJet with opportunities to capitalise on its strong customer proposition and grow and strengthen our positions in Europe's leading airports still further."

"Our profit before tax outlook of £405 million to £410 million represents a good performance in a rapidly evolving and consolidating market."

EasyJet's positive figures come during a turbulent time for the airline industry with the recent collapse of Monarch Airlines and the swathe of Ryanair cancellations.