DUBLIN - Ryanair reported record profits Monday as Europe's largest budget airline expanded its route network across the continent and into North Africa. Ryanair's share price also surged to an all-time high after the Dublin-based carrier predicted it would enjoy similar, if not better, earnings in the coming year.

Low-budget airline easyJet has launched a new fast track security service in a bid to lure business travelers away from major national carriers and onto their seats. Starting this month, passengers who purchase ‘flexi fares,’ will also be able to sail through airport security at 27 airports served by the airline. Flexible fares are offered on tickets that are £79 (€93) one way, and come with services such as free date changes within four weeks of the travel dates, up-front seating, priority boarding and one checked and one carry-on baggage allowance.

Budget airline Norwegian Air Shuttle said Thursday that it is considering registering future long-haul aircraft in Ireland to circumvent Norwegian laws which bar the carrier from hiring cheaper Asian cabin crews. Europe's third largest low-cost carrier has sent a letter to Norway's Civil Aviation Authority asking it to authorise "renting an aircraft that in all likelihood will be registered in the Irish Aircraft Registration Department."

MILAN (Reuters) - Italy's competition watchdog slapped a 400,000 euro (£341,300.50) fine on Irish budget airline Ryanair <RYA.I> for falling down on commitments to simplify online ticket sales. The regulator said the airline failed to provide an overall clear price at the very outset of the online booking procedure. In the period December 1-February 7, Ryanair introduced at the end of the online booking process a 2 percent processing fee on a series of credit cards, the antitrust body said.