Ryanair has reported a 17 per cent jump in passenger numbers.

In September the airline’s traffic grew to 6.12 million passengers from 5.23 million in the same month a year earlier.

The airline’s load factor, which represents the number of passengers as a proportion of the number of available seats, increased by 1 per cent to 85 per cent last month.

Separately, Ryanair’s chief executive Michael O’Leary has denied recent media reports that the airline could take control of Aer Lingus through a rights issue.

“Our position on Aer Lingus was recently confirmed at the Ryanair agm, which is that we are ‘highly unlikely’ to make a third offer,” Mr O’Leary said.

Ryanair currently holds a 29 per cent stake in Aer Lingus.

This follows two failed takeover bids.