Losses at EasyJet, the leading UK low-cost airline, more than doubled in the first half of its financial year, but the group forecast it would remain in profit in the full year.

The group, which has been hit by conflict in its boardroom and the departure of some senior executives, said on Wednesday first-half losses had risen sharply under pressure from higher fuel costs and lower utilisation of its fleet, as it cut capacity in response to weak demand.