IATA statistics have confirmed Ryanair carried more international passengers than any other airline last year.

The Irish low-cost carrier welcomed 79.6 million international passengers on to its flights last year, almost 29 million more than second-placed Lufthansa (50.8 million) and 35 million more than third-placed easyJet (44.6 million).

Ryanair expects to carry more than 81.5 million passengers this year.

Ryanair spokesperson Robin Kiely said: “IATA has once again confirmed that Ryanair is the world’s favourite airline with more international scheduled passengers than any other carrier.”