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easyJet shares have come under pressure this week after the airline flagged a hit to earnings from rising fuel costs and the fallout of a recent air traffic control strike in France. The stock has dropped below the 460p level on the chart, extending its slide from the summer peak near 580p as investors weigh the balance between strong demand and mounting operational costs. The airline said the July strike by French air traffic controllers led to cancellations and extra expenses that will shave about £25 million off annual profit. On top of that, higher fuel prices and wage pressures are expected to keep margins tight through the rest of the year. Still, management reaffirmed that demand for its low-cost network remains robust, with over two-thirds of its fourth-quarter seats already sold. Passenger Demand Holds Firm Despite Headwinds easyJet’s core business has shown resilience through the turbulence. Its third-quarter pre-tax profit rose to £286 million, supported by steady bookings across Europe. Passenger numbers climbed over the summer as holidaymakers snapped up budget-friendly fares on leisure routes.Interestingly, easyJet said many customers are booking closer to their travel dates than in previous years, a shift it partly linked to the unusually warm weather across Europe, which kept people holding off on firm plans. Even so, seats are still filling up fast, showing that demand for low-cost getaways remains resilient despite cost-of-living pressures. easyJet Holidays Delivers Strong Growth While the airline unit is under pressure from external costs, easyJet’s holidays business continues to shine. The holidays division delivered a strong performance, with profit rising 42% to £44 million in the first half and customer numbers up 27%.It’s quickly becoming a crucial growth engine for easyJet, giving the group a steadier income stream beyond the ups and downs of ticket sales. New loyalty tie-ins and sharper marketing campaigns are also pulling in more travellers, helping the business head into the quieter months on a stronger footing. easyJet Chart Analysis Today Current price: 459.3p Support: Strong support sits near 450p, with firmer demand around 430p if the pullback deepens. Resistance: Initial resistance is at 480.8p, followed by 563p if momentum builds. Trade entry: Short-term traders may eye pullbacks into the 450-455p zone as a potential entry if support holds. A break below 450p would tilt risk toward 430p. easyJet Outlook Despite near-term earnings pressure, easyJet remains on track to post full-year profit growth as it benefits from strong summer travel demand and rising contributions from its holidays business. The recent cost shocks have dented sentiment, but the airline’s load factors, network strength, and improving on-time performance suggest its fundamentals are intact. If fuel prices stabilize and disruption eases, easyJet could recover toward the 500-520p range over the coming months. For now, the 450p zone is the key level to watch as the stock searches for a floor. easyJet FAQs Q: How will the French air traffic strike impact easyJet? The strike will reduce annual profit by around £25 million, affecting both operations and timing of flights. Q: Is demand for easyJet flights still strong? Yes. Despite later bookings, demand remains solid, over two-thirds of Q4 capacity is booked. Q: How is easyJet Holidays performing? It’s doing strongly. The holidays division posted £44 million profit in H1, with both revenue and customer base growing. Q: Are safety issues affecting perception? Recent safety-related incidents are being investigated. easyJet has emphasized that safety remains its top priority.