UPDATE 2-EasyJet flags uncertain outlook as fuel costs rise and bookings weaken

May ​21 (Reuters) - ‌British budget airline easyJet reported a first-half loss of 552 million ⁠pounds ($741.39 million) on Thursday, in line ⁠with previous guidance, but said ​its full-year outlook remains uncertain as the Iran war drives up fuel costs and dampens summer bookings. The conflict has disrupted ​global ‌aviation, sending jet fuel prices up more than 80% since late February and forcing airlines to raise fares, cut capacity or absorb margin pressure as flows through the Strait ​of Hormuz are constrained. European airlines have downgraded profit expectations in ‌recent weeks as the prospect of a prolonged conflict pushes fuel costs higher, particularly as ‌hedges expire. Easyjet's first-half loss was broadly in line with the 540 million pound to 560 million pound loss it had ​warned of in April. "Our strategy is clear - through disciplined growth, accelerated upgrading, and continued ‌expansion of easyJet holidays, we aim to bounce back from this year’s Middle East-related setbacks," Chief Executive Kenton Jarvis said ⁠in a statement. The ⁠carrier said its second-half bookings were ‌58% sold as customers booked vacations closer to home and that overall summer bookings ​were ​behind last year. However, in-month bookings were seeing ‌year-on-year strength, as travellers continue to book their trips closer to their departure dates.

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