Even a pandemic can’t keep Ryanair from flying higher

Although profits may be down this week, the airline's shares - and its chief executive's optimism - are defying gravity

Who's afraid of the Delta variant? Not Michael O'Leary. Over the last 16 months of sickness, death and lockdown, the billionaire Ryanair boss has rediscovered his controversy button and has lately been loudly telling governments to stick their scariants" and let everyone fly again.

Much of his ire has been reserved for Ireland, whose scientific and medical leaders must envy the UK's Chris Whitty for only getting accosted in the park.