Budget carriers Ryanair Holdings PLC and Wizz Air Holdings PLC on Wednesday reported a rise in passenger numbers in September, although Wizz’s load factor edged lower.

Dublin-based Ryanair said passenger figures jumped 9.8% year-on-year in September to 19.1 million from 17.4 million. The load factor remained stable at 94%.

On a rolling 12-month basis, passenger numbers were up 8.2% to 193.6 million from 178.9 million a year before, while the load factor stayed put at 94%.

Budapest-based Wizz Air said passenger numbers climbed 3.9% on-year in September to 5.8 million from 5.5 million. Load factor edged down to 91.7% from 92.4%, however, as seat capacity rose faster than passenger numbers, by 4.8% to 6.3 million in September from 6.0 million a year prior.

On a rolling-12 month basis, passenger numbers rose 8.2% to 62.3 million from 57.6 million, while the load factor declined to 90.1% from 90.9%.

Wizz Air’s seat capacity climb outpaced passenger numbers’ growth, rising 9.2% to 69.2 million from 63.3 million.

At the start of September, Wizz Air announced a new direct route from Milan to Abu Dhabi, the first route to be confirmed for the airline’s new Airbus A 321 XLR aircraft. The first flight is expected in June next year.

Ryanair shares were 2.1% lower at €16.20 each on Wednesday morning in Frankfurt, while Wizz Air shares were down 3.4% to 1,320.00 pence each in London.

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