Brussels Airlines improves results in first quarter 2025, despite challenges
The company's strategy has proven to work
Brussels, April 29, 2025 - In the first quarter of 2025, Brussels Airlines reports an Adjusted EBIT of -53 million euros, reflecting an improvement of 9% compared to the first quarter of the previous year. While a negative result in Q1 is common in the aviation industry, Brussels Airlines remains confident in achieving profitability for the full year 2025.
Brussels Airlines was able to improve its performance in the first quarter, compared to the same period in 2024. The airline also saw a significant increase in capacity, with more than 450 extra flights compared to Q1 2024. The available seat kilometers increased by 7.3%.
Three important factors influenced the results of Brussels Airlines during the first quarter of 2025: social unrest in Belgium, with three national manifestations, had an impact of 5 million euros on the Belgian airline. Another burden on the results is the political unrest in Central Africa. The situation has important consequences on several sub-Saharan African markets served by Brussels Airlines. Additionally, the airline’s long-haul fleet had to undergo some planned and unplanned maintenance. A temporary wet-lease agreement maintained operational stability but incurred additional costs.
Despite these challenges, Brussels Airlines improved its performance over the same period in 2024.
“Our target is clear: every year, we want the results of Brussels Airlines to improve. Although the first quarter is negative, we see an improvement compared to last year. We continue our journey towards sustainable profitability, also in 2025. We’re increasing capacity, while keeping our costs under control. We now hope that both the government and the social partners in Belgium can find solutions to stop the social conflict, as strikes cause a high burden on our customers, disrupting their travel plans. More strikes in the peak season would also have high financial consequences for Brussels Airlines.”
- Nina Öwerdieck, Chief Financial Officer, Brussels Airlines
Brussels Airlines continues to grow steadily
Brussels Airlines has already significantly increased capacity in the first trimester and plans to continue expanding throughout 2025. Since March 30, four Airbus A220 aircraft have been deployed on the Brussels Airlines network under a wet-lease agreement with Air Baltic. These aircraft will operate on behalf of Brussels Airlines until the end of October, allowing the airline to scale up during peak summer months and reduce capacity in the quieter winter season. This strategic adjustment is expected to enhance financial performance by better managing seasonality.
The airline is also expanding its own fleet. In June, Brussels Airlines will welcome its 11th long-haul aircraft, an Airbus 330. Each additional aircraft not only boosts capacity but also creates employment opportunities.
Looking ahead
Brussels Airlines is well-positioned to be successful in 2025, with an ambitious growth strategy. The airline will keep monitoring external factors that might impact its financial results, like social unrest in Belgium or geopolitical instability.
Joëlle Neeb
