Brussels Airlines keeps a positive outlook for 2025, despite strong headwinds

Adjusted EBIT first half of the year is in line with last year

31/7/25

Brussels, July 31, 2025 - Brussels Airlines reports an Adjusted EBIT of -46 million euros, reflecting a slight 2% increase compared to the same period last year. The result was primarily impacted by the national manifestations. On the positive side, the European network continued to perform strongly, and overall production increased. The airline remains confident that it will report a third consecutive strong and positive full-year result.

In the first six months of 2025, Brussels Airlines transported 4.2 million passengers across nearly 32,400 flights, with an average seat load factor of almost 80%.

The financial outcome was significantly impacted by several headwinds. Among them were the national demonstrations in Belgium, which disrupted operations and resulted in an estimated financial burden of approximately 12 million euros. Additionally, a negative revaluation of assets, unexpected maintenance costs including disruptions in the long-haul operations further weighed on the airline’s bottom line.

Brussels Airlines’ medium-haul network across Europe continued to perform exceptionally well, reflecting strong demand and efficient operations. In general, the long-haul network underperformed due to the elements mentioned above.

In total the airline reported an adjusted EBIT of -46 million euros for the first half of the year.

“The last six months brought some unexpected challenges, which were mostly external and beyond our control. The national manifestations against government measures have added a high financial burden on us. These are funds we can no longer invest in what truly matters: our passengers, our people, and the future of our company. We sincerely hope that alternative solutions are urgently found to protect our shared future. Despite these pressures, we remain confident in our ability to once again deliver a highly profitable full-year result.”
- Nina Öwerdieck, Chief Financial Officer, Brussels Airlines

Ready to meet summer demand

To maximise capacity during the summer, Brussels Airlines expanded its fleet to 50 aircraft, including one additional Airbus A320 and one Airbus A330 aircraft, and four Airbus A220s operated via wet-lease partner Air Baltic. Since January 2025, more than 300 new employees have joined the airline, including cabin crew, pilots, airport and maintenance staff. For the first time, summer students were trained and deployed as cabin crew, following the same rigorous preparation as regular team members. Operational improvements also included doubling the capacity of the bag drop area at Brussels Airport, helping to streamline passenger flow and reducing waiting times.

Looking ahead

The challenges of the past six months reinforce Brussels Airlines’ commitment to building an even more resilient cost structure. This means being increasingly conscious in resource allocation, ensuring that every euro spent will strengthen its revenue base and passenger experience. Operational excellence, cost discipline, and network optimization remain key priorities.

Looking ahead, Brussels Airlines is confident that strong summer demand in the second half of the year will help offset the headwinds faced earlier.