Ryanair will start cutting flights from the UK later this year as part of the Irish budget airline’s plans to “pivot” investment away from the country following the surprise vote to leave the European Union.

The UK’s largest carrier will start to scale back flights from Stansted, its biggest base, by reducing frequencies on many routes in favour of growing its business in the EU. It may also decide to axe entirely the three UK domestic services it operates from the London airport depending on the terms of Britain’s exit from the EU, Neil Sorahan, the airline’s finance chief, revealed.

Ryanair, led by outspoken boss Michael O'Leary, had been a vocal supporter of the UK remaining in the EU and warned before last month’s referendum it would cut investment in the country if Britons did not vote to stay in Europe.