Should I buy International Consolidated Airlines stock in 2025?

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At HelloSafe, our expert has been tracking the performance of International Consolidated Airlines for over three years. Every month, hundreds of thousands of users in the UK trust us to decipher market trends and identify the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are provided for informational purposes and do not constitute investment advice. In accordance with our ethical charter, we have never been, and will never be, paid by International Consolidated Airlines.

International Consolidated Airlines

What is the price of International Consolidated Airlines stock?

The price of International Consolidated Airlines stock is rising this week. The current share price is 344.40 GBX, showing a 0.38% increase in the last 24 hours, though it is down 3.95% over the week. The company holds a market capitalisation of £16.07 billion, with an average three-month daily volume of 29.29 million shares. The P/E ratio is 7.86, the dividend yield stands at 2.25%, and the stock’s beta is 1.70. These figures highlight both the company’s recent rebound and its higher-than-market volatility.

Our full analysis of the International Consolidated Airlines stock

Following an in-depth review of International Consolidated Airlines’s most recent financial results and an analysis of its stock performance over the past three years, we have integrated a diverse range of financial indicators, technical signals, market sentiment, and comparative sector positioning using our proprietary analytics framework. The outcome reveals truly strong operational resilience, forward-thinking strategic initiatives, and market-driven adaptability, all of which underpin a compelling case for the stock today. So, why might International Consolidated Airlines stock once again become a strategic entry point into the aviation and global transport sector in 2025?

Recent performance and market context

International Consolidated Airlines (IAG) has showcased remarkable momentum in the last twelve months, having advanced by 98.67% year-on-year and delivering an impressive 10.75% gain over the previous six months, despite a modest weekly pullback of 3.95%. Shares are trading at 344.40 GBX as of the latest session, supported by a daily volume averaging 29.29 million shares, reflecting robust institutional and retail interest. Recent positive developments have fuelled optimism: the company’s Q1 2025 earnings release delivered revenue of €7.04 billion, exceeding consensus estimates with operating profit climbing to €198 million, a near-200% improvement over Q1 2024. IAG’s active share buyback programme and the announcement of additional Boeing 787 aircraft purchases—alongside ongoing fleet renewal—underscore its ambition to sustain its leadership in the European airline industry. The macroeconomic backdrop remains supportive: robust travel demand recovery, particularly across transatlantic and premium routes, coupled with normalising post-pandemic passenger flows, bolsters both topline and operational margins. This macro resilience, paired with AI-driven operational improvements and sector-leading efficiency initiatives, provides a strong foundation for further gains.

Technical analysis

From a technical perspective, IAG’s share price structure is supported by a bullish undertone, as evidenced by all core moving averages (20-, 50-, 100-, and 200-day SMA) signalling strong support and uptrend continuation. The 20-day SMA stands at 329.5 GBX, offering near-term support, while the 200-day at 283.3 GBX marks a critical longer-term floor. RSI (14 days) prints at 63.49, just below classic overbought thresholds—suggesting ongoing demand with moderate room for further upside before cooling. While several shorter-term oscillators, such as the MACD and Williams %R, indicate mild consolidation, the overall trend remains positive, supported by firm volume and friendly price action. Support sits at 329.4 GBX, with resistances at 356.2 and 371.2 GBX, highlighting well-defined levels for tactical trading decisions. This blend of upward-trending averages, high-volume support, and constructive longer-term technical indicators suggests the share price may be entering a new bullish phase.

Fundamental analysis

IAG’s fundamental positioning is robust and provides ample justification for renewed investor interest. The group’s Q1 2025 results outperformed market expectations, with revenue growing 9.6% year-on-year—driven by a 6.5% increase in passenger revenue and broad-based strength in cargo and premium travel segments. With a market capitalisation of £16.07 billion and a P/E ratio of 7.86, the shares remain attractively valued relative to both sector peers and the company’s own growth prospects. The dividend yield, standing at 2.25%, further reinforces IAG’s commitment to shareholder returns. Strategic drivers such as aggressive fleet modernisation—evidenced by large-scale orders for next-generation Boeing aircraft—and a focus on fuel efficiency and operational agility, underpin sustainable profitability improvement. IAG’s strong brand portfolio (including British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Vueling) and leading European market position ensure broad revenue diversification and pricing power, while ongoing investment in AI and data-driven efficiency presents a structural edge over less agile competitors.

Volume and liquidity

A consistent average daily trading volume of nearly 30 million shares reveals broad market participation and provides deep liquidity, which is a strong signal of investor confidence and enhances the company’s dynamic valuation. With 4.67 billion shares outstanding and a public float of around 3.17 billion, the stock’s high liquidity ensures efficient execution for institutional and private investors alike. This liquidity is further boosted by a steady schedule of share repurchases under IAG’s buyback programme, actively supporting the valuation in the market and signalling management’s confidence in the future trajectory of the group.

Catalysts and positive outlook

IAG is riding several potent catalysts that reinforce its investment case: major aircraft deliveries scheduled for 2025 will rapidly advance fleet renewal, directly reducing costs and emissions, while also enhancing customer experience. The ongoing implementation of artificial intelligence throughout operational processes is yielding measurable improvements in punctuality, cost management, and resource allocation. Strong transatlantic traffic, expansion into new long-haul markets, and positive regulatory moves around European airline capacity are expected to benefit the group. The dynamic post-pandemic demand recovery, especially for business and premium travel, provides a longer runway for growth. In addition, the group’s focus on ESG—through reducing carbon intensity and leading the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)—positions IAG strongly to capture an increasingly climate-aware customer base and to stay ahead of tightening environmental regulations.

Investment strategies

Short-term traders may see opportunity in the current minor consolidation just below recent highs, with support from moving averages and proximity to upcoming resistance zones creating potential breakout scenarios. For medium-term investors, the near-term catalysts—such as new aircraft deliveries, dividend payouts following the ex-dividend date (June 26, 2025), and further AI-powered operational updates—provide compelling reasons to maintain or initiate exposure. Long-term investors are likely to find the fundamentals exceptionally attractive: cost discipline, strategic fleet investments, and deep brand loyalty position IAG for durable outperformance as global travel demand normalises and supply-side constraints continue to support unit revenues. Timing entries near support levels or in advance of major news events or earnings updates maximises the risk/reward profile. With an analyst consensus target of 398.76 GBX (30% upside), the stock appears to offer an attractive entry point with multiple layers of support.

Is it the right time to buy International Consolidated Airlines?

International Consolidated Airlines presents a uniquely attractive risk/reward profile at this juncture: a robust financial structure, resilient operational gains, significant strategic initiatives, and sector-topping growth rates all converge for the group. The fundamentals justify renewed interest, with both the P/E and dividend yield supporting compelling long-term value, while the ongoing technological and environmental transformation lends additional upside optionality. Increasing market share in key geographies, a keen focus on efficiency, and a visibly proactive management team are clear strengths. With its share price still below consensus targets, and industry megatrends squarely at its back, the stock seems to represent an excellent opportunity for those looking to capture the growth and resilience of the modern airline sector. For investors seeking exposure to a globe-leading, progressive, and technically driven aviation stock, International Consolidated Airlines stands out as a timely and strategic candidate to consider.

How to buy International Consolidated Airlines stock in the United Kingdom

Buying International Consolidated Airlines stock online is straightforward and secure with a regulated UK broker. You can choose between buying shares outright (“spot buying”) or trading via CFDs for leveraged exposure. Both options are accessible for new and experienced investors, with robust digital processes and strong protection standards. Want to weigh up your broker options? Check out our comprehensive comparison table further down this page.

Spot buying

A spot (cash) purchase means you become a shareholder of International Consolidated Airlines, entitling you to dividends and voting rights. Most UK brokers charge a fixed commission per order, usually between £5–£10.

Gain scenario

If the International Consolidated Airlines share price is £3.44, you can buy around 290 shares with a £1,000 stake, including a brokerage fee of around £5.

If the share price rises by 10%, your shares are now worth £1,100.

Result: +£100 gross gain, i.e. +10% on your investment.

Trading via CFD

CFDs (Contracts for Difference) let you speculate on the price of International Consolidated Airlines shares with leverage, without owning the actual stock. Instead of a fixed commission, you’ll pay the spread (difference between buy/sell price), and an overnight financing fee if you hold your position for more than a day. CFDs increase both potential gains and risks.

CFD Gain Scenario Example

You open a CFD position on International Consolidated Airlines shares, with 5x leverage.

This gives you a market exposure of £5,000.

✔️ Gain scenario:

If the stock rises by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.

Result: +£400 gain, on a bet of £1,000 (excluding fees).

Final advice

Before making your investment, be sure to compare trading costs, platform features, and conditions across different brokers, as these can impact returns. Ultimately, the best method depends on your objectives, whether you’re looking for long-term growth or short-term trading opportunities. For more guidance, see our broker comparison table further down this page.

7 tips for buying International Consolidated Airlines stock

The latest news about International Consolidated Airlines

International Consolidated Airlines’ stock has rebounded by nearly 99% year-on-year on the LSE. Recent trading shows the share price at 344.40 GBX, reflecting significant recovery momentum and renewed investor confidence. This strong annual performance has outpaced most FTSE-listed peers and highlights the Group’s successful adaptation in the UK market and broader European airline sector.

Management reaffirmed its ongoing fleet renewal strategy with 26 new aircraft deliveries anticipated in 2025. This investment in modern, fuel-efficient planes is expected to improve operating margins and support sustainability goals, addressing industry trends and regulatory priorities in the UK and EU. The program also cements the Group’s competitive positioning on crucial transatlantic and domestic routes.

Strong recovery in passenger revenue and above-expectation quarterly results signal robust demand on UK routes. In Q1 2025, revenue outperformed projections, with a notable 6.5% year-on-year passenger revenue growth. This surge is largely attributed to the recovery of North Atlantic and intra-European traffic, meeting the pent-up demand among UK travelers and business clients.

Ongoing share buyback programme boosts shareholder value and market sentiment in the United Kingdom. The active repurchase of shares has provided price support and indicates management’s confidence in the company’s mid- and long-term prospects. This has been positively received by the UK investment community, underscoring a disciplined capital allocation strategy.

Analyst consensus in the UK remains optimistic, with positive price targets and general Buy recommendations. Recent consensus data place the 12-month target at 398.76 GBX, some 30% above current levels. Major UK brokerages and research firms cite modernisation initiatives, market recovery, and operational resilience as key drivers for further growth and outperformance.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.