EasyJet’s first-half losses more than tripled under the impact of the surge in its fuel bill and costs arising from its recent takeover of GB Airways.

The airline issued a profits warning in March for its full year results to September 30, reflecting the steep rise in the price of jet fuel, and on Wednesday said it would be unable to offset the higher fuel costs fully in the second half. Analysts lowered estimates for the full year to the end of September and forecast a decline of up to 25 per cent in reported pre-tax profits for the full year to about £150m.