Brussels Airlines reports an Adjusted EBIT of -70 million Euros in first six months of 2026

The airline faced external pressures, including higher fuel prices, the Ebola outbreak in East Africa, and third-party strikes

4/8/26

Brussels, August 4, 2026 – Brussels Airlines reports an Adjusted EBIT of -70 million euros for the first six months of 2026. The airline was hit by several external factors, such as high fuel prices, the Ebola-outbreak in East Africa, and strikes at third parties. Nonetheless, Brussels Airlines improved operational stability and customer satisfaction.

In the first six months of 2026, Brussels Airlines transported 4.5 million passengers on 34,200 flights, representing increases of 8.1% and 5.5% respectively compared to the same period last year. Revenues increased by 9.5%.

The airline improved its operational stability, leading to higher passenger satisfaction and lower irregularity costs. Per passenger, the irregularity cost decreased by 16%.

Brussels Airlines proudly looks back on the successful launch of flights to Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), a range of product improvements such as the roll-out of new tableware in Premium Economy and the unveiling of a new Belgian Icon dedicated to comic hero Tintin.

Strong external headwinds

Despite strong operational results, Brussels Airlines was impacted by several external setbacks, such as the unrest in the Middle East and its impact on oil prices. This resulted in additional fuel costs. In the first six months, fuel costs were up 64 million euros compared to the same period last year.

In the course of May, an Ebola outbreak was reported in some regions in East Africa. This resulted in lower travel demand and posed several operational challenges, as crew scheduling and destination restrictions imposed by certain countries created additional operational complexity.

Other setbacks were strikes in Belgium. National manifestations against government policies caused significant disruptions at Brussels Airport in March and in May, and a strike at Skeyes (Belgian Air Traffic Controllers) in the beginning of June halted all flight movements in Belgium for several hours. These third-party disruptions had a negative earnings impact of of 3 million euros.

Therefore, Brussels Airlines reports an adjusted EBIT of -70 million euros for the first half year of 2026, a decrease of 50% compared to the previous year.

Outlook full year 2026

Despite a challenging start of the year, Brussels Airlines is still optimistic for the remaining part of 2026.

“Brussels Airlines is a robust company, that is not afraid to take on a challenge. We have already navigated some storms this year, and now a successful Summer will be more crucial than ever to achieve positive full-year results. We have more production compared to 2025, therefore we believe we can present stronger Summer results, if we can operate in an operational stable environment. I want to sincerely thank all Brussels Airlines colleagues who went above and beyond to take care for our guests during these demanding past months.”
- Nina Öwerdieck, Chief Financial Officer, Brussels Airlines

In the second half of 2026, Brussels Airlines is looking forward to introducing high-speed Wi-Fi on the first aircraft of its fleet, reopen its fully renovated lounge at Brussels Airport and further expand its network.

Outlook 2027

The profitability below expectations, repeated strikes in Belgium, and the current geopolitical situation induce Brussels Airlines to a careful approach for the coming years.

In close deliberation with Lufthansa Group, it is decided that Brussels Airlines will not add two additional Airbus A330 aircraft to the fleet in 2027, in contrast to earlier announcements. The long-haul fleet will for now stay as is, with 11 Airbus A330 aircraft.

For Summer 2027, Brussels Airlines does not plan to operate any wet-lease capacity. The four airBaltic aircraft currently deployed in Brussels through the end of October will not be returning for the 2027 Summer season.

The introduction of new cabins on the long-haul fleet, a multi-million-euro investment, remains on track. Brussels Airlines plans to unveil the new cabins for Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class in the course of 2027.